India and the European Union are aiming to finalize an unprecedented free trade agreement by the end of this year, marking potentially the largest trade pact globally, announced European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her visit to New Delhi on Friday.
Delivering a keynote address at the 'India’s World' think-tank event, Von der Leyen emphasized that both regions need to elevate their strategic partnership to tackle emerging geopolitical challenges effectively.
A Strategic Leap Forward in India-EU Ties
Von der Leyen, who is on a high-profile two-day official visit along with senior European Union political leaders, stated clearly that Europe and India must shift gears to move beyond the progress achieved over the past 30 years.“Over the last 30 years, we have done a lot together, but in truth, we've only been scratching the surface of our true potential," she said. "This is not a time to place limits on our cooperation."
Ahead of her discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she underscored the need for pragmatism and ambition, highlighting the importance of realigning priorities to address current global realities.
Exploring a New Security and Defence Partnership
Significantly, Von der Leyen announced that the European Union is actively exploring a new "Security and Defence Partnership" with India, similar to existing agreements the EU has with key partners like Japan and South Korea.This partnership is envisioned to strengthen joint efforts against common security threats, including cross-border terrorism, maritime security issues, cyber-attacks, and attacks on critical infrastructure.
“India is working hard to diversify its military supply and to access new capabilities. I believe we can help each other deliver on our security objectives,” Von der Leyen stated.
Commitment to Finalizing the Historic Free Trade Agreement
Von der Leyen expressed her unwavering commitment to finalizing the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) within this year. Recognizing the complexity involved, she stressed that determination and timing are crucial."A free trade agreement between the EU and India would be the largest deal of this kind anywhere in the world," Von der Leyen said. "Prime Minister Modi and I have agreed to push to get it done during this year, and you can count on my full commitment."
Connectivity and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor
Highlighting further opportunities, Von der Leyen noted that the proposed India-Middle East-Europe corridor could become a modern-day "golden road," significantly enhancing direct connectivity between India, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe.She labeled the year 2025 as a "historic window of opportunity" to solidify this unique and robust partnership between Europe and India.
Reiterating Europe's Stance on Ukraine Conflict
The European Commission President also addressed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing its broader global repercussions."A failed Ukraine would intensify challenges globally, including this region," she cautioned, underlining that the global community is closely observing the international response to border violations and invasions.
An Ambitious Vision for the 21st Century Partnership
Von der Leyen affirmed her conviction that India-EU ties could define international relations for decades, with New Delhi becoming a cornerstone of Europe’s foreign policy.“This visit marks the beginning of a new era. It is time to take our EU-India Strategic Partnership to the next level—for our security, prosperity, and for addressing global challenges together,” she concluded.
