PM Modi and EU leaders discuss early conclusion of FTA, end to war in Ukraine

Sybiha said he spoke to Jaishankar “about strengthening the Ukraine-India partnership and the further implementation of agreements reached by our leaders” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Modi.

“I informed my Indian colleague about the current battlefield situation and Ukraine’s efforts to achieve a just peace. We rely on India’s authoritative voice and active role in supporting the full cessation of hostilities and broader international peace efforts,” he said.

“We agreed to meet during the UNGA high-level week in New York and continue the tangible development of our bilateral relations, including in political dialogue, upcoming high-level contacts, economic cooperation, technology, and other areas,” Sybiha said.

Modi’s phone conversation with von der Leyen and Costa took place when the EU leaders were in Paris with others of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ and Zelenskyy, discussing security guarantees for war-torn Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa during their call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday. (Image source: X@eucopresident)

In a post on X, Modi said, “Had a very good conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Reaffirmed our shared commitment for an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA and implementation of the IMEEC corridor. Exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and efforts for bringing an early end to the conflict in Ukraine. We agreed that our Strategic Partnership has a key role to play in fostering stability and promoting a rules-based order.”

In a statement, the PMO said, “As the world’s largest democratic forces, India and EU share a strong and close relationship built on trust, shared values, and a common vision for the future. The leaders underlined the role of the India-EU Strategic Partnership in jointly addressing global issues, fostering stability, and promoting a rules-based order for mutual prosperity.”

“The leaders also welcomed progress in bilateral relations in key sectors such as trade, technology, investment, innovation, sustainability, defence, security and supply chain resilience, and reaffirmed the shared commitment for an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations and implementation of the IMEEC corridor.”

“Building on the historic visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February, the leaders discussed organising the next India EU Summit in India at an early date of mutual convenience. PM Modi invited the two leaders to India for the same. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability,” the PMO said.

Both von der Leyen, Germany’s former Defence Minister, and Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal and of Indian-origin, posted identical messages on X: “We had the pleasure of speaking with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We warmly welcome India’s continued engagement with President Zelenskyy. India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace. This war carries global security consequences and undermines economic stability. So it is a risk to the entire world.”

They also discussed the concluding of India-EU FTA negotiations by end of 2025 and holding an India-EU summit by early 2026.

Costa and von der Leyen said, “Looking ahead, we plan to agree on a joint strategic agenda at the next EU-India summit, as early as possible in 2026. We also remain fully committed to concluding the Free Trade Agreement negotiations by the end of the year. To achieve this, progress is needed now.”

EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic is likely to visit New Delhi next week as talks on a free trade agreement make “rapid progress”, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said Thursday.

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