India-EU to firm up free trade deal by this year: Ursula von der Leyen
European Commission president says EU is exploring a future security and defence pact with India in line with its partnerships with Japan and South Korea
India and the European Union (EU) are on the home stretch of firming up a free trade deal, the largest of its kind in world, by this year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday (February 28).
Leyen, accompanied by leaders of EU nations, is on a two-day visit to India starting Thursday.
Also read: In UN drama, US sides with Russia to oppose Europe-backed Ukraine resolution
In an address at a think-tank, the top leader of the 27-nation bloc also said that the EU is exploring a future security and defence pact with India in line with its partnerships with Japan and South Korea.
‘Great power competition opportunity for India, EU’
Von der Leyen's comments came ahead of her wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“This world is fraught with danger. But I believe this modern version of great power competition is an opportunity for Europe and India to reimagine their partnership," she said.
"In many ways, the EU and India are uniquely placed to respond to this challenge together," she added.
Leyen said it is time to take the EU-India strategic partnership to the next level.
Boost to EU-India ties
“This is not a time to place limits on our cooperation. Or to get stuck looking for agreement on every issue of regional or global concern," she said "It is time to be pragmatic and ambitious. And to realign our priorities for today's realities," she said.
Also read: European leaders to meet over US-Russia talks on Ukraine war
The European Commission president said cooperation in trade and technology, security and defence and connectivity and global partnership can take EU-India partnership to next level.
On the free trade agreement, Leyen said she has full commitment for it. "A free trade agreement between the EU and India would be the largest deal of this kind anywhere in the world. I am well aware it will not be easy.”
Optimism about free trade deal
"But I also know that timing and determination counts, and that this partnership comes at the right moment for both of us," she said.
"This is why we have agreed with Prime Minister Modi to push to get it done during this year. And you can count on my full commitment to make sure we can deliver," Leyen said.
Also read: EU leaders scramble to avoid friction with US under Trump and avoid 'stupid tariff war'
On connectivity, the European Commission president said the India-Middle East-Europe corridor can be a modern golden road directly connecting India, Arabian Gulf and Europe.
I believe 2025 is a historic window of opportunity to build an indivisible partnership between Europe and India, she said.