Evian, June 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the G-7 summit in Evian, France, on Wednesday. The discussions focused on enhancing economic relations between India and the European Union (EU).
The leaders recalled the 16th India-EU summit held earlier this year in India and welcomed the significant progress made in their bilateral relations.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and other officials were also present at the meeting.
Prime Minister Modi described his meeting with Costa and von der Leyen as “very fruitful.” He emphasized that the discussions centered on deepening economic ties. He noted that the growing cooperation between India and the EU could play a crucial role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in today’s global environment.
On social media platform X, Modi wrote, “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 had the opportunity to host them during India’s Republic Day celebrations. This is a significant time for India-EU relations, as we have completed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). We discussed ways to further strengthen our economic ties in the future. The growing collaboration between India and the EU can help promote peace, stability, and development in today’s world.”
Antonio Costa stated that India and the EU are set to sign the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of this year. He also mentioned that both sides will work together to enhance connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).
Costa wrote on X, “Dear Narendra Modi, it is a pleasure to meet you again so soon. We have completed one of the world’s largest trade agreements and are now moving swiftly to fulfill our commitments. We will sign the FTA by the end of the year and accelerate work on the investment agreement. We will also enhance security and defense cooperation while working together to improve connectivity through IMEC.”
During the meeting, the three leaders also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the leaders reflected on the historic 16th India-EU summit held earlier this year in India and welcomed the progress in bilateral relations. The completion of the India-EU FTA was particularly highlighted as a significant achievement.
The G-7 summit is currently taking place in Evian under France’s presidency. This marks India’s 13th participation in the G-7, with Prime Minister Modi attending for the seventh consecutive time.
Earlier this year, trade talks between India and the EU concluded with a major Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The negotiations for the India-EU FTA were finalized during the 16th India-EU summit held in New Delhi on January 27. Prime Minister Modi, Ursula von der Leyen, and other leaders described it as a historic step, calling it “the largest agreement of all.”
Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen were also the chief guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations earlier this year.
Leave a Comment