India and EU Strengthen Ties Through Trade Discussions
Strengthening India-EU Relations
New Delhi, Dec 8: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a meeting with Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, in New Delhi on Monday. He expressed optimism that the discussions during the delegation's visit would yield fruitful outcomes.
Jaishankar shared his thoughts on the social media platform X, stating, “It was a pleasure to meet European Trade & Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in New Delhi today. I am confident that the Commissioner and his team will engage in productive discussions in India.”
In a joint statement released last month after the 11th India-European Union Foreign Policy and Security Consultations and the 6th Strategic Partnership Review Meeting in Brussels, both parties expressed their eagerness for constructive negotiations aimed at finalizing a Security and Defence Partnership along with a Security of Information Agreement.
The meetings, which took place on November 18-19, evaluated the comprehensive bilateral relationship and reviewed the progress of the 'India–EU Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025', which is set to conclude this year.
The Joint Statement highlighted the "very positive momentum" in EU–India relations, referencing significant events such as the landmark College of Commissioners' visit to India in February, the inaugural EU–India Strategic Dialogue in Brussels led by HRVP Kaja Kallas and EAM Jaishankar in June, and the EU's adoption of the Joint Communication on the Strategic Agenda on India in September.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to finalize negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year and to expedite discussions on the Investment Protection Agreement and the Agreement on Geographical Indications. They emphasized the significance of multilateral cooperation and ongoing dialogue regarding economic matters, including supply chain diversification. Progress in the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was also noted, with anticipation for the next TTC Ministerial Meeting in Brussels in 2026.
Previously, on October 29, EAM Jaishankar met with a delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade in New Delhi, where they explored avenues to enhance cooperation and maximize shared interests.
Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, along with other officials, participated in the discussions.
Jaishankar later posted on X, expressing satisfaction with the meeting, stating, “I was pleased to meet the delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade INTA today in Delhi. We discussed how India and the European Union can maximize convergences and deepen cooperation, which can stabilize the global economy and bolster democratic forces. The swift conclusion of the India-EU FTA can significantly contribute to these goals.”