Evian, June 18: Prime Minister Modi met with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the G7 Summit in Evian, France.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued an official statement highlighting the remarkable progress in India-EU relations since the 16th India-EU Summit held in January 2026.
The statement noted that the leaders hailed the recent discussions on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a historic achievement. They emphasized the need for swift signing and implementation, which would create significant opportunities for trade and investment, particularly in the current tense geopolitical climate.
According to the Ministry, the relationship between India and the EU is built on mutual trust, shared values, and a common vision for the future, as both are the world’s largest democracies with open market economies and pluralistic societies.
The leaders also discussed developments related to the jointly approved India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda from January 2026. They expressed hope that this would further strengthen the India-EU strategic partnership, yielding beneficial and transformative outcomes for both sides.
While exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the leaders welcomed developments in West Asia. PM Modi and the EU leaders reiterated their shared commitment to establishing a robust multilateral global system that contributes to peace, stability, prosperity, and sustainable development.
PM Modi described his meeting with Costa and von der Leyen as excellent, stating that they discussed strengthening economic ties. He noted that the growing cooperation between India and the EU could play a crucial role in enhancing peace, stability, and prosperity in the current global environment.
On social media platform X, PM Modi posted, “It was great to meet European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Evian today. Earlier this year, we were proud to welcome them as chief guests at our Republic Day celebrations. This is a significant time for India-EU relations as we have completed the FTA. During our discussions, we talked about deepening economic engagement in the future. Our growing cooperation can play a vital role in strengthening peace, stability, and prosperity in today’s global environment.”
Costa announced that India and the EU will sign the Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. He also mentioned that both sides will work together to enhance connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).
Costa posted on X, “Great to see you again so soon, Narendra Modi. As we have completed the biggest deal in all trade agreements, we are moving swiftly to fulfill 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 enhance security and defense cooperation and work together to improve connectivity through IMEC.”
During the meeting, the three leaders also discussed regional and global issues of mutual benefit. According to the Ministry, they recalled the historic 16th India-EU Summit held earlier this year in India and welcomed the strong progress in their relations, particularly with the completion of the India-EU FTA.
The G7 Summit is currently taking place in Evian under France’s presidency. This year marks India’s 13th participation in the G7, with PM Modi attending the summit for the seventh consecutive time.
Earlier this year, trade negotiations with the EU concluded with a historic free trade agreement. The discussions for the India-EU FTA were finalized on January 27 during the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi. PM Modi, Ursula von der Leyen, and others hailed it as a historic milestone and the “mother of all deals.” Costa and von der Leyen were also chief guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations.
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