India, EU to Finalize FTA, Strengthen Security & Tech Ties

New Delhi: India and the European Union have prepared a blueprint on ties, including in security, trade and technology, and the two sides will launch a “bold and ambitious” roadmap on ties at the all-important bilateral summit to be held in India later this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday afternoon after talks with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at Hyderabad House here, as he declared that directions have been issued by the two leaders to their trade negotiation teams to finalise a free trade agreement by the end of 2025. Speaking at an event in New Delhi ahead of the talks, Ms Von der Leyen also said the EU was exploring a “future defence and security partnership” with India on the lines of what the EU has with both Japan and South Korea. The joint statement said “the EU side welcomed India’s interest in joining the projects under the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation as well as to engage in negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement ”. We will work together on Triangular Development projects for sustainable and inclusive development in the Indo-Pacific region and Africa.” The joint statement also focused on the need to “combat terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and terrorism financing in a comprehensive and sustained manner”, in what is being seen as a clear indication towards Pakistan- Hailing the visit of the EC president and over 20 EU College of Commissioners to India as “unprecedented’, Mr Modi said the EC president’s “visit to India has given new momentum, energy and enthusiasm to our partnership” and that “this journey is the biggest catalyst that will translate our ambition into action”.