PM Modi, EU Chiefs Push FTA, Discuss Ukraine; Leaders Eye 2026 Summit in India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint telephone call with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday to review India–EU ties and push forward a broad agenda spanning trade, technology, investment, sustainability, defence, security and supply-chain resilience.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to an early conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and underlined the importance of implementing the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), framing both as central pillars for deepening economic integration and building trusted, diversified supply chains.
On Ukraine, von der Leyen stressed that the war’s fallout extends far beyond Europe, undermining global security and economic stability, and welcomed New Delhi’s ongoing engagement with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as part of diplomatic efforts. “India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace,” she noted, signalling Brussels’ expectation that New Delhi’s channels with Moscow can help nudge de-escalation.
Modi reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of a peaceful resolution and early restoration of stability, aligning with New Delhi’s long-standing emphasis on dialogue, diplomacy and respect for sovereignty while maintaining its strategic autonomy.
Looking ahead, Modi invited both leaders to India for the next India–EU Summit, with an eye on early 2026, building on the momentum from the EU College of Commissioners’ visit in February. Von der Leyen said the two sides would work toward agreeing a joint strategic agenda at the next summit, indicating a structured roadmap across trade and technology partnerships, secure digital infrastructure, climate action and people-to-people ties.
Both sides also exchanged views on regional priorities, including connectivity initiatives and resilient value chains, amid broader efforts by Europe to “de-risk” critical dependencies and by India to position itself as a reliable, rules-based partner for global manufacturing and services.
The renewed political push on the FTA follows multiple negotiation rounds aimed at addressing traditional friction points—from tariffs on industrial goods, automobiles and alcoholic beverages to market access in services, data flows and investment protections.
Officials see a window to land the deal alongside a modernised investment agreement and a geographical indications accord, creating a comprehensive framework that could unlock fresh investment, scale up high-technology cooperation and expand market opportunities for SMEs on both sides. Progress on IMEEC, meanwhile, would complement these goals by lowering logistics costs, shortening transit times and deepening connectivity across a corridor linking India to Europe through the Middle East.
Even as Brussels underscores unity on Ukraine, the EU’s engagement with India reflects a pragmatic convergence on supply-chain diversification, clean-tech deployment and secure digital public infrastructure.
For New Delhi, a balanced FTA and targeted cooperation on semiconductors, green hydrogen, critical minerals and defence manufacturing could align with domestic priorities of jobs, technology transfer and export growth. With the leaders agreeing to remain in close touch, the coming months will test whether political intent can translate into narrowed gaps at the negotiating table, advancing a strategic partnership anchored in shared democratic values and a rules-based global order.
