Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France on Wednesday, focusing on strengthening economic ties between India and the European Union.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held a bilateral meeting with the President of the European Council, António Costa, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian: MEA pic.twitter.com/ur5ZTopLMi
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The leaders recalled the historic 16th India-EU Summit held in India earlier this year and welcomed the strong progress made in bilateral relations, particularly the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Describing the meeting as “wonderful”, PM Modi said they discussed further deepening of economic linkages.
“It was wonderful meeting European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Evian earlier today. At the start of this year, India was proud to host them for our Republic Day celebrations. This has been a great time for India-EU ties as we have concluded the Free Trade Agreement. During our talks, we discussed how to further deepen economic linkages in the times to come. Our growing cooperation can play an important role in strengthening peace, stability and prosperity in today’s global environment,” PM Modi posted on X.
European Council President Antonio Costa stated that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement will be signed by the end of the year. He also emphasised advancing the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) for better connectivity.
“Dear Narendra Modi, 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 agreement. We will also step up security and defence cooperation. And join forces for better connectivity by advancing IMEC, the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor,” Costa posted on X.
Meeting follows landmark India-EU free trade agreement concluded earlier this year
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.
The leaders also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest. Costa and von der Leyen were the Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations earlier this year.
This meeting comes after the landmark India-EU FTA was concluded during the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi on January 27.
(With IANS inputs)
