India and the European Union have agreed to finalize a long-pending free trade agreement this year and boost cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity and defense, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Commission chief said Friday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauds after the press statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, left, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

The delegations from India and the European Union held delegations on a range of topics in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, and the leaders have directed their teams to conclude the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations by this year,

Von der Leyen, accompanied by the EU College of Commissioners or senior political leaders of the bloc, began a high-profile two-day visit to India on Thursday.

The EU hopes to deepen relations with India as the bloc's relations with the U.S. sour, along with common ground on their shared concerns over China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific,

While many commentators have been wringing their hands about U.S. tariff threats, it is worth noting the degree to which President Trump is actively engaging with other heads of state who are working

EU trade agreement, PM Narendra Modi said on February 28 that the two sides decided to try and finalise their FTA deal by the end of 2025.Several decisions have been made to elevate and accelerate the partnership between the two sides,

The EU's top team arrived in India on an "unprecedented" visit Thursday, aiming to broaden commercial and diplomatic ties and hedge against souring relations with the United States. The visit "will send the message that Europe is shoring up other partners,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Delhi to discuss enhancing their strategic partnership. Von der

Leaders from India and the European Union held discussions in New Delhi, aiming to finalize the Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. The wide-ranging talks focused on various sectors including trade,