Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Highlighting the recently concluded FTA between India and the European Union (EU), External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described it as a game changer in bilateral ties. Addressing the India-EU forum, on February 6, he also underlined the potential for deeper cooperation between India and the EU in areas including security, defence, climate, technology and talent flows.
“Addressed the inaugural India-EU Forum this morning. Highlighted that the FTA has been a game changing development for our partnership. Also flagged other dimensions that hold great potential, including security, defence, climate, technology and talent flows. Hope that the India-EU Forum promotes more conversations and creates greater convergences between India and the EU,” Jaishankar posted on X.
Earlier on January 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, hailed the successful conclusion of negotiations of the landmark India–EU FTA.
“This historic deal is a milestone in the India–EU Strategic Partnership that will significantly enhance bilateral trade and investment ties, drive shared prosperity, strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains, and support sustainable and inclusive growth,” read a joint statement issued after the 16th India–EU Summit co-chaired by the three leaders.
The leaders emphasised the central role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the multilateral trading system and global trade governance and underlined that meaningful, necessary, and comprehensive reform of the WTO is essential to improve its functions so that it is better suited to advance all members’ objectives.