India, European Commission Aim To Sign FTA by Year-End

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, with both sides agreeing to conclude the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year and expand defence cooperation.

The leaders also discussed strengthening connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor.

“Dear @narendramodi, it is a pleasure to meet again so soon. Since we have concluded the mother of all trade deals, we have been moving fast to deliver on our commitments. We will sign the Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. And accelerate work on an investment so step up security & defence cooperation. And join forces for better connectivity by advancing IMEC, the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor,” von der Leyen said.

In a statement, New Delhi said the leaders noted progress since the 16th India-EU Summit held in January 2026 and described the conclusion of FTA negotiations as a “historic achievement”, emphasising early signing and implementation to boost trade, investment and supply chain diversification.

“Recalling the landmark 16th India-EU Summit held in India in January 2026, the leaders welcomed the remarkable progress made in India-European Union bilateral relations since then. The leaders emphasized the recent conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement as a historic achievement and stressed its expeditious signing and implementation, which would unlock huge opportunities for trade and investment and contribute towards diversification of supply chains, particularly in the current turbulent geopolitical context. … The leaders discussed the progress on the Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda endorsed in January 2026 and shared the sentiment that it would further reinforce India-EU strategic partnership and deliver mutually beneficial and transformative outcomes,” the statement said.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments and welcomed recent developments in West Asia.

Separately, Modi met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who invited him to attend the eighth India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations scheduled later this year in Germany.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Mr. Friedrich Merz, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France. This is the second meeting between the two leaders this year. The leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral engagements and expressed satisfaction at the renewed momentum in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, with the successful visit of the Chancellor to India and the conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations earlier this year. As India and Germany celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, green and sustainable development, technology, innovation, education and mobility. They welcomed the signing of the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and the operationalisation of transit visa waiver for Indian nationals transiting through Germany,” the statement said.

New Delhi said the two leaders also discussed global issues, including the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and welcomed the understanding reached to end the conflict in West Asia.