EU Council approves steps to conclude FTA with India by year-end

London, Oct 20: The EU Council has endorsed measures for a renewed EU-India strategic partnership, aiming to finalize a comprehensive free trade agreement by December. These efforts form part of a push to strengthen economic ties between the European Commission and India through balanced trade terms.

Council officials emphasized that the proposed FTA should ensure fair market opportunities, eliminate trade restrictions, and incorporate sustainability commitments.

The agreement seeks to reinforce multilateral frameworks and rules-based international systems centered on the UN Charter and WTO principles, reflecting the EU and India’s shared leadership role in global governance.

Democratic values, human rights protections, and adherence to international laws – including women’s and children’s rights – remain central to the bilateral agenda.

EU representatives urged swift implementation of partnership objectives through four priority areas: economic growth, technological advancement, security cooperation, and global connectivity.

This strategic alignment responds to growing geopolitical shifts, with both parties expressing commitment to building mutual trust through enhanced defense dialogue and security coordination.

Council members signaled openness to exploring defense industrial collaboration pending further discussions about establishing a formal security partnership framework.

Diplomatic engagement regarding the Ukraine conflict remains a continuing aspect of EU-India consultations, according to the Council’s statement.

–IANS

sps/dan