EAM Jaishankar, Romanian counterpart discuss EU-India FTA preparations
Nicosia, May 28
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday met his Romanian counterpart Oana Toiu on the sidelines of the informal Gymnich meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers in Cyprus.
"We're now preparing the ground so that both our economies make the most of the future EU-India Free Trade Agreement, with strong potential across defence industry, renewable energy, steel, automotive, fertilisers and port infrastructure," Romania's Foreign Minister Oana Toiu wrote on X after the meeting.
"Excellent discussion with my Indian counterpart @DrSJaishankar on the margins of the #Gymnich in Cyprus, our fourth meeting," she added.
The Romanian Foreign Minister also said that trade between Romania and India had reached $1.2 billion in 2025, registering an increase of more than 20 per cent compared to 2024.
"After unblocking our Joint Economic Cooperation Commission following an eight-year pause, we've brought back real momentum to the relationship, and investment is already accelerating," she stated.
Both ministers are also looking forward to a high-level visit to Romania expected later this year.
They also discussed developments in the Middle East, including energy security, connectivity, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
"Romania and India are committed to deepening the strategic dimension of our Extended Partnership," Oana Toiu highlighted.
Earlier on Thursday, EAM Jaishankar wrote on X: "A quick catch-up with DPM & FM @sikorskiradek of Poland, FM Romania @oana_toiu and FM @ministerBZ Tom Berendsen of the Netherlands in Cyprus today."
Romania is a member of the European Union (EU), and in January, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the successful conclusion of negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), describing the pact as the "mother of all deals".
The agreement is expected to come into effect sometime in 2026.
The FTA is expected to bring a qualitative shift in strengthening overall bilateral ties across a range of sectors.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good diplomacy in action, but I hope the FTA benefits our farmers and MSMEs too, not just big steel and auto companies. The "mother of all deals" should be equitable, not just about numbers. 🤞
Fourth meeting with Romania in a short time — that's serious engagement! Defence industry collaboration with an EU NATO member could open new tech transfer opportunities. The Strait of Hormuz freedom of navigation discussion is also critical for our energy security.
Unblocking the Joint Economic Commission after 8 years is a big deal — shows bureaucracy is being cut through. But let's be honest, $1.2 billion with a country like Romania is still modest compared to our trade with UAE or China. Decent step though.
Interesting that India is doing so much bilateral groundwork even as the EU-level FTA is being finalized. Smart strategy — building relationships with individual member states like Romania and Poland ensures the deal isn't just a Brussels paper exercise. IMEC corridor is the game-changer here for us.
Renewable energy and fertilisers cooperation with Romania makes perfect sense — they have Black Sea ports and we need diversified supply chains. But does the FTA include enough protections for our digital and services sector? That's where the real future lies, not just steel.
S < We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.