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India-EU Forge Historic Trade & Defence Pacts in Milestone Summit

The Presidents of the European Council and Commission concluded a highly successful three-day state visit to India, resulting in 13 key outcomes. The most significant achievements include the conclusion of negotiations for a landmark Free Trade Agreement, dubbed the "Mother of All Deals," and the signing of a first-ever overarching Security and Defence Partnership. These agreements are designed to enhance market access, create jobs, and deepen cooperation on strategic and global security challenges. The pacts were finalized during the 16th India-EU Summit co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Key Points: India-EU Landmark Visit: FTA & Defence Partnership Signed

  • Landmark Free Trade Agreement signed
  • First-ever Security and Defence Partnership
  • 13 total agreements across multiple sectors
  • Enhanced market access for Indian goods
  • Deepened strategic cooperation
2 min read

"A milestone visit concludes": European Presidents depart from India after successful visit

European leaders conclude historic India visit, sealing a major Free Trade Agreement and a landmark Security and Defence Partnership to deepen strategic ties.

"A milestone visit concludes... resulting in 13 rich outcomes which will enhance the depth and breadth of India-EU strategic partnership. - Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, January 28

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, concluded their landmark three-day state visit to India, which led to 13 significant outcomes aimed at deepening the India-EU strategic partnership, including the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and a defence pact under the Security and Defence Partnership.

In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Costa departed on Wednesday following the visit, and von der Leyen departed yesterday.

The MEA described the visit as "highly successful", noting the "13 rich outcomes" aimed at deepening the ties between the two nations.

"A milestone visit concludes. President of European Council Antonio Costa departs after a highly successful visit. The President of European Commission Ursula von der Leyen departed yesterday evening. The visit resulted in 13 rich outcomes which will enhance the depth and breadth of India-EU strategic partnership," the post read.

The Ministry added that the outcomes will expand European market access for Indian goods and services.

"These outcomes will enhance market access for our goods and services, create more jobs and opportunities and support the progress of our people," it added.

On Tuesday, India and the EU signed a "milestone" deal, dubbed the "Mother of All Deals", by concluding their negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The deal is one of India's most strategic economic partnerships, designed as a modern, rules-based trade partnership, which responds to contemporary global challenges while enabling deeper market integration between the world's fourth- and second-largest economies.

Both sides also signed a landmark Security and Defence Partnership, marking the first overarching defence and security framework between the two sides, as leaders from both blocs agreed to significantly deepen cooperation across strategic, regional and global security domains.

With the signing of the deal, India becomes the third Asian country to have such a deal with the EU after Japan and South Korea.

Apart from these, 13 agreements and arrangements were reached during the state visit of the European Presidents covering areas such as trade, security, defence, mobility, clean energy, science, and disaster management.

The agreements were signed during the 16th India-EU Summit co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally! We've been waiting for this FTA for years. Hope it means better prices for European products here too. The defence pact is equally important - diversifying our partnerships is key for national security. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As someone working in exports, this is a game-changer. The paperwork and tariffs for Europe were a nightmare. If this simplifies things, it will be a huge boost for SMEs. Let's hope the implementation is smooth.
A
Arjun K
Good move strategically. With the world getting more polarized, strong ties with the EU give India more diplomatic space. The clean energy and science partnerships are the real win for our future.
K
Karthik V
While the deal is promising, I hope our government ensures strong protections for our farmers and small industries. Sometimes these FTAs benefit big corporations more than the common man. The details matter.
N
Nisha Z
Becoming the third Asian country with such a deal after Japan and South Korea shows India's growing global stature. The mobility agreement is also great news for students and professionals. A proud moment!

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