
New Delhi – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that India and the European Union aim to establish a free trade agreement by the end of 2025. This statement followed a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi.
This initiative comes amid rising tensions in transatlantic relations, particularly due to US President Donald Trump’s direct discussions regarding the war in Ukraine with Russia and his threats of increasing tariffs on various imports.
The EU stands as India’s largest trading partner, with merchandise trade amounting to 124 billion euros in 2023, which represents over 12% of India’s total trade, according to data from Brussels.
The EU is pushing for greater access to the Indian market for its automobiles and alcoholic beverages, while India seeks to facilitate the export of its textiles and pharmaceuticals. (February 28, 2025)
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