European Union and India resume free trade talks on Saturday

The European Union wants to resume negotiations for a free-trade agreement with India. This Saturday (8 May), EU leaders will meet virtually with the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to discuss the strengthening of relations. The expectation is a "breakthrough" in the relationship, say senior EU diplomats.

According to the Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs Augusto Santos Silva, the 27-nation bloc wants to restart talks on three agreements: the protection of geographical indication, reciprocal investments, and a pact to foster Indo-European trade. Portugal will host the summit on Saturday in Porto.

India's prime minister spoke to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on Monday (3 May) about reviving the trade talks, which have been stalled since 2013. The pair will be joined by the President of the European Council Charles Michel, and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel for the virtual meeting. Michel will also talk to Modi before the Saturday summit. Ties between the EU and India have already become closer in recent years. 

According to senior EU diplomats, the strengthening of ties with India reflect European appreciation and recognition of the "natural ally" they see in the "world's largest democracy". "China needs to understand that it is not the only player in this part of the world," said an EU diplomat.

The EU is India's largest trading partner, accounting for €80 billion worth of trade in goods in 2019 or 11.1% of total Indian trade, on par with the United States and ahead of China (10.7%). The EU is the second-largest destination for Indian exports (over 14% of the total) after the USA.

 

Source: commonspace.eu with agencies

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.  

Popular

Editor's choice
News
LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe announces the names of all the chairpersons of the five thematic groups for the development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue

LINKS Europe has successfully completed the first phase of its project to develop the Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue as part of its commitment within the EU4Peace III programme, funded by the European Union. In this first phase, which lasted from September 2024 to April 2025, LINKS Europe conducted an assessment of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and mobilised the personnel necessary for delivering the project output. LINKS Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the names of the chairs/co-chairs of the five thematic groups within the initiative.