PM Modi and EU Leaders Renew Push for India-EU Free Trade Agreement in Key Summit Talks
In a significant diplomatic step, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint telephone call on September 3, 2025, with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The leaders discussed advancing India-EU bilateral ties across diverse sectors and reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the highly anticipated India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the earliest.
The high-level dialogue spanned critical areas including trade, technology, investment, innovation, sustainability, defense, security, and supply chain resilience. Of particular importance was the acceleration of negotiations on the India-EU FTA and the implementation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), which promises to enhance economic connectivity between the regions.
During the call, PM Modi extended a formal invitation to the EU leaders to visit India for the next India-EU Summit, expected to be organized at the earliest mutually convenient date, likely in 2026. The meeting builds on the momentum demonstrated by the recent visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India earlier this year.
Beyond economic cooperation, the leaders exchanged views on pressing global issues, notably the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s steadfast support for a peaceful resolution and restoration of stability in the region, emphasizing the shared democratic values and strategic partnership between India and the European Union.
This engagement signals a positive trajectory for India-EU relations with promising implications for trade, technological collaboration, and geopolitical cooperation, as both sides seek to deepen ties and contribute to global peace and prosperity.
The developments are being closely watched by stakeholders on both sides, anticipating that the soon-to-be-finalized trade agreement could reshape economic relations between India and the European Union.
This historic conversation underscores the enduring partnership and joint commitment to a rules-based international order, highlighting India’s rising role on the global stage as an economic and strategic power.
