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Modi Meets EU Leaders to Fast-Track Historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic and Finnish PM Petteri Orpo on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral ties and securing early implementation of the landmark India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. Leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in new areas like artificial intelligence, clean energy, digitalisation, and futuristic 6G technology. The finalized FTA aims to create a massive trading bloc, reduce tariffs, and open markets while protecting India's sensitive sectors like dairy.

Key Points: India-EU FTA Talks: Modi Meets Croatian, Finnish PMs

  • Early FTA implementation discussed
  • Boosting trade & tech cooperation
  • Focus on AI, clean energy & 6G
  • Protecting sensitive Indian sectors
2 min read

PM Modi, EU member states discuss strengthening cooperation through FTA

PM Modi discusses early implementation of India-EU FTA with Croatian & Finnish counterparts, aiming to boost trade, tech & clean energy ties.

PM Modi, EU member states discuss strengthening cooperation through FTA
"Thanked him for his personal support to the India-EU FTA, which ushers in a golden era in India-Europe relations. - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, Feb 18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met his Croatian counterpart, Andrej Plenkovic, and discussed early implementation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, further strengthening the bilateral ties.

Both leaders met on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit, a five-day event being held in New Delhi.

Following the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "The two leaders exchanged views on ways to further strengthen India-Croatia relations and advance cooperation in new areas of mutual interest, including AI, information and communication technologies, innovation and clean energy, among others. Both leaders agreed to work for the early implementation of the India-EU FTA."

Prime Minister Modi also appreciated the "deep interest" of the people of Croatia in Indology and the Indian traditional system of Yoga and Ayurveda.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi met his Finnish counterpart, Petteri Orpo, and discussed further enhancing cooperation in sustainability, digitalisation, AI research and ethical innovation.

The Prime Minister also thanked the Finnish PM for his "personal support" for the India-EU FTA.

"Held extensive discussions with the Prime Minister of Finland, Mr Petteri Orpo. Thanked him for his personal support to the India-EU FTA, which ushers in a golden era in India-Europe relations. India and Finland aim to double trade, thus giving a strong boost to economic linkages," PM Modi posted on X.

Both leaders also discussed enhancing cooperation in futuristic technologies like 6G, innovation, clean energy, biofuels, circular economy and more.

On January 26, negotiations between India and the European Union for a Free Trade Agreement were finalised, with the goal of establishing a vast trading bloc comprising 2 billion individuals, reducing tariffs on various goods such as automobiles, alcoholic beverages, and food products, enhancing access to markets for services, and strengthening collaboration in areas such as clean technology and digital trade.

This agreement, described as the 'Mother of All Deals', greatly opens up markets while also incorporating gradual tariff reductions, with India protecting sensitive sectors like dairy and agriculture.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see discussions on AI and clean energy. These are the future. But I hope the deal ensures our startups and MSMEs are protected and get a fair chance to compete, not just the big corporations.
A
Aman W
"Mother of All Deals" sounds impressive, but the devil is in the details. Glad to read that sensitive sectors like dairy are being protected. Our farmers' livelihoods must come first, no compromise on that.
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Sarah B
As someone working in the tech sector, collaboration on 6G and ethical AI innovation is exciting. Hope this leads to more research partnerships and skilled job opportunities for Indian engineers and scientists.
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Vikram M
Yoga and Ayurveda getting appreciation on a global stage always feels good. It's our soft power. But the real test of this FTA will be if it makes high-quality European products more affordable for the common Indian consumer.
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Karthik V
While the strategic intent is good, I have a respectful criticism. The government must ensure transparency in the negotiation process. Such a massive deal should have more parliamentary discussion and public consultation before final implementation.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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