What happened?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed India’s support for an ambitious and balanced India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year. During a joint press conference with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, Jaishankar emphasized that India and the EU are important forces in an emerging multipolar world order and stressed the powerful case for forging deeper ties. They held “open and productive talks” covering defence and security, maritime security, cyber, and space. The issue of counter-terrorism also dominated the agenda, with Kallas dubbing nuclear threats as an area of mutual concern for India and the EU.
Why it matters to India
EAM Jaishankar’s push for an ambitious India-EU FTA by year-end is crucial for India’s economic growth and global trade integration. Strengthening ties with the EU, a major economic and political bloc, is vital for India’s strategic autonomy in an emerging multipolar world order. Discussions on defence, security, cyber, and space, alongside counter-terrorism, enhance India’s comprehensive security and diplomatic partnerships with key global players.