NEW DELHI — India and the European Union have agreed to push for the completion of a long-negotiated free trade agreement by the end of this year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Friday during a visit to New Delhi.
Von der Leyen, who is in India alongside leaders from several EU nations, said the discussions come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, making closer cooperation between Brussels and New Delhi more critical than ever.
“Troubled times offer great opportunities for partnership between India and the EU,” she said at an event in the Indian capital, emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic ties.
Ahead of her talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, von der Leyen said both sides were committed to advancing negotiations.
“I believe this modern version of great-power competition is also an opportunity for Europe and India to reimagine their partnership,” she said.
The trade agreement, which has been under discussion for years, is expected to deepen economic ties between India and the EU, one of its largest trading partners.
