Evian:
The proposed pact, covering goods, services and digital trade, is expected to create a vast free market spanning nearly two billion people and about a quarter of the global economy. It is also likely to open new avenues for trade, investment, technology cooperation and strategic engagement.
The momentum was evident on Wednesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian.
In synchronised posts on X, Costa and von der Leyen said it was a pleasure to meet PM Modi again “so soon”, adding that since the conclusion of the “mother of all trade deals”, both sides had been moving fast to deliver on their commitments.
“We will sign the Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. And accelerate work on an investment agreement. We will also step up security and defence cooperation. And join forces for better connectivity by advancing IMEC, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor,” they said.
PM Modi also expressed optimism over the growing India-EU partnership, saying the meeting reflected a strong phase in bilateral ties.
“It was wonderful meeting European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Evian earlier today. At the start of this year, India was proud to host them for our Republic Day celebrations. This has been a great time for India-EU ties as we have concluded the Free Trade Agreement,” he posted on X.
The Prime Minister said the talks focused on deepening economic linkages and strengthening cooperation in the current global environment. He added that growing India-EU cooperation could play an important role in advancing peace, stability and prosperity.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the leaders recalled the 16th India-EU Summit held in India earlier this year and welcomed the strong progress in bilateral relations, particularly the conclusion of the FTA. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The trilateral meeting formed a key part of India’s broader European outreach at the G7 Summit. Earlier, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with both sides reviewing progress in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic ties.
PM Modi said his talks with Chancellor Merz were “very fruitful” and covered trade, investment, circular economy, defence, information technology and cultural linkages.
Jaiswal said both leaders expressed satisfaction at the renewed momentum in India-Germany ties and agreed that early implementation of the India-EU FTA would further deepen the partnership.
The Prime Minister’s packed diplomatic schedule also includes a closely watched bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump. The talks are expected to focus on bilateral ties, trade, defence, energy and critical minerals.
The meeting comes a day after the two leaders exchanged pleasantries and held a brief conversation during a gathering of G7 leaders, marking their first in-person interaction in 16 months.
With India participating as a key Partner Country, Evian has become a major platform for New Delhi’s expanding diplomatic outreach. PM Modi is also scheduled to attend a G7 working session on “Reviving balanced, inclusive and sustainable economic growth for the benefit of all.”
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister held a series of bilateral meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Kenyan President William Ruto, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung.