India-EU FTA: Both sides committed to concluding deal by year-end, says EU Ambassador Herve Delphin
By Sahil Pandey, New Delhi, February 2
Highlighting the strengthening ties between New Delhi and Brussels, Ambassador of the European Union to India, Herve Delphin, on Monday termed the progress on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement a "momentous achievement," noting that both sides are committed to wrapping up the deal by the end of this year.
Speaking on the strategic and economic synergy between the two regions, Delphin emphasized that the speed of the negotiations reflects a shared resolve.
"It's a momentous achievement to have concluded the FTA in record time... It shows the resolve of both sides to conclude it, and there was a strong strategic compulsion and a strong overlapping economic interest," Delphin said.
He further noted, "We offer each other complementarity, offer each other skills, we offer each other diversification and de-risking... Both sides are committed to having this process concluded as soon as possible, by the end of the year."
Beyond trade, the Ambassador underscored a significant shift in the bilateral security architecture. He pointed out that the relationship has evolved from basic consultations to a formal "security and defence partnership" in just five years.
"It shows how much mileage we've done together, coming closer in exchanging and aligning on security and defence concerns," he remarked.
Outlining the roadmap for future cooperation, Delphin revealed that the next phase involves a "security of information agreement," which will serve as a legal enabler for deeper ties, eventually leading to robust defence-industry cooperation.
The Ambassador also touched upon maritime security, specifically in the Indo-Pacific region, noting the tactical alignment between naval forces.
"The Indian Navy and our navy operations are cooperating, because we are on the same page about the protection of safe passage through the Indian Ocean," Delphin added.
The push for the FTA and the burgeoning defence partnership come at a time when both India and the EU are seeking to diversify supply chains and bolster maritime security amid global geopolitical shifts.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good progress, but I hope our negotiators are being tough on protecting our farmers and small businesses. We've seen FTAs hurt local industries before. The details matter more than the speed.
The defence partnership part is crucial. With a strong EU ally, our security in the Indian Ocean gets a major boost. Good strategic move by the government.
As someone working in exports, this is a game-changer. Easier access to the European market can be a huge win for Indian startups and service providers. Fingers crossed it gets finalized smoothly!
"Diversification and de-risking" is the key phrase here. In today's unstable world, having strong economic partners like the EU is essential for India's growth and stability. A very positive development.
While the ambition is good, committing to a year-end deadline feels rushed for such a complex deal. Hope quality isn't sacrificed for speed. We need a fair agreement, not just a fast one.
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