G7 Summit: PM Modi discusses India-EU FTA & West Asia with EU leaders, says MEA
Evian, June 18
Prime Minister Modi met the European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France.
"Recalling the landmark 16th India-Europen Union (EU) Summit held in India in January 2026, the leaders welcomed the remarkable progress made in India-European Union bilateral relations since then," the Ministry of External Affais (MEA) said in an official statement.
"The leaders emphasised the recent conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement as a historic achievement and stressed its expeditious signing and implementation, which would unlock huge opportunities for trade and investment and contribute towards diversification of supply chains, particularly in the current turbulent geopolitical context," the MEA said in the statemet.
"As the world's two largest democracies, with open market economies and pluralistic societies, India and the EU share a relationship based on trust, shared values and a common vision for the future."
The leaders discussed the progress on the Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda endorsed in January 2026 and shared the sentiment that it would further reinforce India-EU strategic partnership and deliver mutually beneficial and transformative outcomes, the MEA statement added.
"Exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the leaders welcomed the developments in West Asia," the MEA statement said.
"PM Modi and the two EU leaders reiterated their shared commitment to shaping a resilient multipolar global order that contributes to peace and stability, prosperity and sustainable development."
Describing his meeting with Costa and Leyen as "wonderful", PM Modi stated that they discussed strengthening of economic linkages. He noted that the growing cooperation between India and the EU can play an important role in strengthening peace, stability and prosperity in the current global environment.
"It was wonderful meeting European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Evian earlier today. At the start of this year, India was proud to host them for our Republic Day celebrations. This has been a great time for India-EU ties as we have concluded the Free Trade Agreement. During our talks, we discussed how to further deepen economic linkages in the times to come. Our growing cooperation can play an important role in strengthening peace, stability and prosperity in today's global environment," PM Modi posted on X.
Costa stated that India and the EU will sign the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year. He also mentioned that both sides will work together to better connectivity by advancing India Middle East Europe Corridor (IMEC).
"Dear Narendra Modi, it is a pleasure to meet again so soon. Since we have concluded the mother of all trade deals, we have been moving fast to deliver on our commitments. We will sign the Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year and accelerate work on an investment agreement. We will also step up security and defence cooperation. And join forces for better connectivity by advancing IMEC, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor," Costa posted on X.
During the meeting, the three leaders also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the leaders recalled the historic 16th India-EU Summit held in India early this year and welcomed the strong progress made in bilateral relations, especially with the conclusion of India-EU FTA.
The G7 Summit is currently taking place under France's Presidency in Evian. This year marks India's 13th participation in the G7 and PM Modi's seventh consecutive attendance at the summit.
Earlier this year, India's trade negotiations with the EU culminated in a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The negotiations for the India-EU FTA wrapped up during the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi on January 27. PM Modi, Ursula von der Leyen and others hailed it as a historic milestone and "mother of all deals". Costa and Ursula von der Leyen were also the Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations this year.
— IANS
Reader Comments
"Mother of all deals" - love that phrase! India is finally getting the global recognition it deserves. The IMEC corridor is particularly interesting, connecting India to Europe via Middle East. Modern Silk Road vibes. Let's see how this benefits common citizens. 🤔
While I support stronger India-EU ties, I hope the FTA doesn't become a one-way street. European standards can be tough for our small businesses. We need technology transfer commitments and easier visa norms for Indian professionals. Also, why so quiet on West Asia conflicts? We have strategic interests there.
Good diplomacy by PM Modi. 7th consecutive G7 attendance shows India's rising stature. But let's not forget: trade deals take years to show ground-level impact. Hope the government monitors implementation closely and doesn't rush signing without addressing local concerns. 👀
Finally! India-EU FTA after years of negotiations. 🇮🇳🤝🇪🇺 This will diversify our trade away from China dependence. But I worry about data privacy and digital trade rules - EU's GDPR is strict. Our IT sector needs clarity. Also, what about the carbon border tax? That could hurt our exports.
US perspective here. Modi is playing smartly - balancing ties with West while maintaining strategic autonomy. EU needs India as much as India needs EU, especially with supply chain diversification. FTA signing by year-end is ambitious but achievable. Interesting times ahead for global trade.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.