The European Union’s Ambassador to India, Hervé Delphin, has expressed strong optimism that the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and India will come into force within a year, from the time the negotiations were concluded. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Delphin said both sides were “upbeat” about an early conclusion. “Entry into force comes either by the very end of the year or early next year,” he said.&nbsp;This would mark a remarkably swift timeline. Negotiations were concluded only at the end of January, meaning the pact could be operational in under a year, a pace the envoy described as “pretty fast” given the complexities involved. Legal teams are currently undertaking “legal scrubbing” of the consolidated text, to be followed by ratification procedures in the EU and India.&nbsp;The ambassador framed the agreement as a clear “win-win” for both economies, which he said are largely complementary. “Our experience with European FTAs is that wherever we have an FTA with a partner, the trade volume doubles. The value of trade doubles,” he noted.&nbsp;The EU is already India’s largest trading partner in goods, and Delphin predicted that bilateral trade would double over the coming years once the FTA takes effect. He highlighted an ongoing outreach campaign to businesses on both sides.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-tmc-chor-mahua-moitra-alleges-harassment-onboard-indigo-flight-blames-bjp-culture-1778176066725">‘TMC chor’: Mahua Moitra alleges harassment onboard IndiGo flight, blames ‘BJP culture’</a>&nbsp;“This time, we have between now and the conclusion of negotiation and entry into force is being used by both sides to reach out to the business community to say, hey, look, here you have a great FTA. There is a lot of potential. Tap into it, make best use of it.”&nbsp;The comments come as Indian and European officials work to finalise one of the most significant trade deals in recent years. The FTA is expected to reduce tariffs, ease regulatory barriers, and open new opportunities in sectors ranging from automobiles and pharmaceuticals to renewable energy and digital services.&nbsp;For Indian exporters, the deal promises better access to the vast European single market, while European firms stand to gain from India’s growing consumer base and manufacturing ambitions.

The comments come as Indian and European officials work to finalise one of the most significant trade deals in recent years. 

The European Union’s Ambassador to India, Hervé Delphin, has expressed strong optimism that the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and India will come into force within a year, from the time the negotiations were concluded. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Delphin said both sides were “upbeat” about an early conclusion. “Entry into force comes either by the very end of the year or early next year,” he said. This would mark a remarkably swift timeline. Negotiations were concluded only at the end of January, meaning the pact could be operational in under a year, a pace the envoy described as “pretty fast” given the complexities involved. Legal teams are currently undertaking “legal scrubbing” of the consolidated text, to be followed by ratification procedures in the EU and India. The ambassador framed the agreement as a clear “win-win” for both economies, which he said are largely complementary. “Our experience with European FTAs is that wherever we have an FTA with a partner, the trade volume doubles. The value of trade doubles,” he noted. The EU is already India’s largest trading partner in goods, and Delphin predicted that bilateral trade would double over the coming years once the FTA takes effect. He highlighted an ongoing outreach campaign to businesses on both sides. Also Read: ‘TMC chor’: Mahua Moitra alleges harassment onboard IndiGo flight, blames ‘BJP culture’ “This time, we have between now and the conclusion of negotiation and entry into force is being used by both sides to reach out to the business community to say, hey, look, here you have a great FTA. There is a lot of potential. Tap into it, make best use of it.” The comments come as Indian and European officials work to finalise one of the most significant trade deals in recent years. The FTA is expected to reduce tariffs, ease regulatory barriers, and open new opportunities in sectors ranging from automobiles and pharmaceuticals to renewable energy and digital services. For Indian exporters, the deal promises better access to the vast European single market, while European firms stand to gain from India’s growing consumer base and manufacturing ambitions.

The comments come as Indian and European officials work to finalise one of the most significant trade deals in recent years.&nbsp;

EU Ambassador Delphin: EU India trade pact to double bilateral trade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a week-long visit to Europe in mid-May, with focus on India's deepening engagement with the continent amid strengthened trade and strategic ties with the European Union.The trip will take Indian PM Modi to Norway, where he will take part in the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo alongside leaders from Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. The summit follows previous gatherings in Stockholm in 2018 and Copenhagen in 2022. Norway, a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), holds particular significance after the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force in October 2025. The pact commits EFTA countries to $100bn in investments in India over 15 years, aiming to create one million jobs, while opening markets for Indian exports in textiles, leather and food products.Bilateral discussions in Oslo are expected to cover green energy, climate change, the blue economy, innovation, digitalisation and Arctic cooperation. India and the Nordic nations share interests in sustainable development and technology, building on the 2018 Stockholm summit, where a Joint Action Plan and Innovation Partnership were adopted.In the visit, PM Modi is expected to travel to the Netherlands for bilateral talks. He last visited the country in 2017. The Hague is a key partner in water management, agriculture, technology and counter-terrorism efforts. Officials are finalising dates for engagements that were postponed last year.The itinerary also includes Italy, marking Indian PM Modi's first bilateral visit to Rome, though he attended the G20 summit there in 2021 and the G7 outreach in 2024. Discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are expected to focus on defence, energy and investment. A possible stop at the Vatican could see Mr Modi meet the Pope.The European tour comes weeks after the landmark 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi on 27 January 2026, co-chaired by Indian PM, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The summit delivered a historic breakthrough with the conclusion of negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, alongside a new Security and Defence Partnership and a "Towards 2030" Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda.May visit will be an opportunity to build momentum on the EU-India FTA and fast-track implementation, while reinforcing people-to-people and economic links. Trade between India and the EU has grown steadily, with both sides seeking to diversify supply chains and cooperate on clean technology.In June, Mr Modi will return to Europe for the G7 summit in France, continuing a tradition of outreach invitations to India since 2019.

In the visit, PM Modi is expected to travel to the Netherlands for bilateral talks. He last visited the country in 2017. The Hague is a key partner in water management, agriculture, technology and counter-terrorism efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a week-long visit to Europe in mid-May, with focus on India's deepening engagement with the continent amid strengthened trade and strategic ties with the European Union. The trip will take Indian PM Modi to Norway, where he will take part in the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo alongside leaders from Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. The summit follows previous gatherings in Stockholm in 2018 and Copenhagen in 2022. Norway, a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), holds particular significance after the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force in October 2025. The pact commits EFTA countries to $100bn in investments in India over 15 years, aiming to create one million jobs, while opening markets for Indian exports in textiles, leather and food products. Bilateral discussions in Oslo are expected to cover green energy, climate change, the blue economy, innovation, digitalisation and Arctic cooperation. India and the Nordic nations share interests in sustainable development and technology, building on the 2018 Stockholm summit, where a Joint Action Plan and Innovation Partnership were adopted. In the visit, PM Modi is expected to travel to the Netherlands for bilateral talks. He last visited the country in 2017. The Hague is a key partner in water management, agriculture, technology and counter-terrorism efforts. Officials are finalising dates for engagements that were postponed last year. The itinerary also includes Italy, marking Indian PM Modi's first bilateral visit to Rome, though he attended the G20 summit there in 2021 and the G7 outreach in 2024. Discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are expected to focus on defence, energy and investment. A possible stop at the Vatican could see Mr Modi meet the Pope. The European tour comes weeks after the landmark 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi on 27 January 2026, co-chaired by Indian PM, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The summit delivered a historic breakthrough with the conclusion of negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, alongside a new Security and Defence Partnership and a "Towards 2030" Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda. May visit will be an opportunity to build momentum on the EU-India FTA and fast-track implementation, while reinforcing people-to-people and economic links. Trade between India and the EU has grown steadily, with both sides seeking to diversify supply chains and cooperate on clean technology. In June, Mr Modi will return to Europe for the G7 summit in France, continuing a tradition of outreach invitations to India since 2019.

In the visit, PM Modi is expected to travel to the Netherlands for bilateral talks. He last visited the country in 2017. The Hague is a key partner in water management, agriculture, technology and counter-terrorism efforts.

Trade, investment key focus during PM Modi's major Europe visit in May

India and the European Union announced the historic "the mother of all deals" on Tuesday (Jan 27). Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in this context that the &nbsp;European delegation's visit to India gave important outcomes. "The outcomes are deeply strategic in nature. Over the last decade, the relations between India and the European Union have grown steadily. They have grown not just in scale but in significance as well, as evidenced by the level and frequency of contacts and engagements between the two sides. In our fast-changing world, the strategic partnership between India and the EU has a value beyond the bilateral context, particularly as we witness shifts in the global economic, technological, and strategic landscape. As the world's second and fourth largest markets, India and the EU also have very high stakes on all critical global challenges of the day, including over-dependence and concentration of global manufacturing and supply chains on a limited set of geographies, an ineffective multilateral system, emerging multipolarity, and growing protectionist tendencies in different parts of the world," the Foreign Secretary said."And therefore, as two large pluralistic democracies and open market economies, our leaders have resolved to take this very strategic partnership forward for mutual benefit and for the greater good of the global population as a whole," he added.He further asserted, "Today, Presidents Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Modi co-chaired the 16th India-EU summit. They held detailed bilateral talks, both in the restricted format and in the delegation-level format. There were several key documents that were signed and exchanged before the leaders, including the joint announcement on the conclusion of the negotiations of a landmark and historic India-EU free trade agreement, an equally important security and defence partnership agreement between the two sides, and an MOU on comprehensive framework on cooperation on mobility, among others. Prime Minister and President von der Leyen also addressed the India-EU Business Forum in Bharat Mandapam, where more than 100 CEOs from both sides participated."Adding to this, he said, "Let me make a few quick points with regard to the outcome of this truly historic visit that is currently underway. The President of the European Council, His Excellencies Antonio Costa, the President of the European Commission, Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen are on a state visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both the Presidents were jointly Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations yesterday. This is the first time ever that we had the European leaders as guests of honour for our Republic Day."

India and the European Union announced a historic free trade, security, and mobility partnership, calling it the mother of all deals, strengthening strategic ties amid shifting economic and geopolitical landscapes.

India and the European Union announced the historic "the mother of all deals" on Tuesday (Jan 27). Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in this context that the European delegation's visit to India gave important outcomes. "The outcomes are deeply strategic in nature. Over the last decade, the relations between India and the European Union have grown steadily. They have grown not just in scale but in significance as well, as evidenced by the level and frequency of contacts and engagements between the two sides. In our fast-changing world, the strategic partnership between India and the EU has a value beyond the bilateral context, particularly as we witness shifts in the global economic, technological, and strategic landscape. As the world's second and fourth largest markets, India and the EU also have very high stakes on all critical global challenges of the day, including over-dependence and concentration of global manufacturing and supply chains on a limited set of geographies, an ineffective multilateral system, emerging multipolarity, and growing protectionist tendencies in different parts of the world," the Foreign Secretary said. "And therefore, as two large pluralistic democracies and open market economies, our leaders have resolved to take this very strategic partnership forward for mutual benefit and for the greater good of the global population as a whole," he added. He further asserted, "Today, Presidents Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Modi co-chaired the 16th India-EU summit. They held detailed bilateral talks, both in the restricted format and in the delegation-level format. There were several key documents that were signed and exchanged before the leaders, including the joint announcement on the conclusion of the negotiations of a landmark and historic India-EU free trade agreement, an equally important security and defence partnership agreement between the two sides, and an MOU on comprehensive framework on cooperation on mobility, among others. Prime Minister and President von der Leyen also addressed the India-EU Business Forum in Bharat Mandapam, where more than 100 CEOs from both sides participated." Adding to this, he said, "Let me make a few quick points with regard to the outcome of this truly historic visit that is currently underway. The President of the European Council, His Excellencies Antonio Costa, the President of the European Commission, Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen are on a state visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both the Presidents were jointly Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations yesterday. This is the first time ever that we had the European leaders as guests of honour for our Republic Day."

India and the European Union announced a historic free trade, security, and mobility partnership, calling it the mother of all deals, strengthening strategic ties amid shifting economic and geopolitical landscapes.

‘Strategic partnership for mutual benefit’: Here’s what India’s FS Vikram Misry said on India-EU summit

The European Union (EU) and India are committed to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty and freedom of navigation and overflight, the influential grouping said on Monday.

The assertion came after the EU and India carried out a joint naval drill in the Gulf of Aden on June 18-19 to improve operational interoperability and promote peace and security in the key waterways.

The EU also said the two sides are keen to enhance cooperation in the maritime security sphere in the Indo-Pacific region.

In January, the 27-nation EU and India launched a dialogue on maritime security and agreed to deepen two-way cooperation in this domain.

"The EU and India are committed to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, democracy, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, and peaceful resolution of disputes," the bloc said in a statement.

It said both sides reaffirm the primacy of international law, including the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

An identical statement was also issued by India's defence ministry.

The EU also said the two sides are keen to enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;The evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region in the wake of China's increasing military muscle-flexing has become a major talking point among leading global powers.

In April, the EU came out with a comprehensive strategy for the Indo-Pacific, listing its priorities and vision for the region that the bloc said represents the world's "economic and strategic centre of gravity".

The two-day naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Somalia saw the participation of a total of five warships.

The EUNAVFOR is the EU's counter-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia.

"The exercise was based on the scenario of an anti-piracy operation. It included cross-deck helicopter landings, complex tactical evolutions at sea, live firing, a night-time joint patrol and a naval parade in the high seas off the coast of Somalia," the EU said.

The Indian Navy has been providing escort to the World Food Programme-chartered vessels, coordinated by the EUNAVFOR Somalia.

"The EU and India intend to strengthen their operational cooperation at sea, including joint naval exercises and port calls, and to protect the sea-lanes of communication. They also intend to boost maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific through mutual coordination and exchanges," the EU said.

"The EU and India reaffirm their interest to enhance their cooperation in the field of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region," it added.

The European Union (EU) and India are committed to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty and freedom of navigation and overflight, the influential grouping said on Monday.

The European Union (EU) and India are committed to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty and freedom of navigation and overflight, the influential grouping said on Monday. The assertion came after the EU and India carried out a joint naval drill in the Gulf of Aden on June 18-19 to improve operational interoperability and promote peace and security in the key waterways. The EU also said the two sides are keen to enhance cooperation in the maritime security sphere in the Indo-Pacific region. In January, the 27-nation EU and India launched a dialogue on maritime security and agreed to deepen two-way cooperation in this domain. "The EU and India are committed to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, democracy, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, and peaceful resolution of disputes," the bloc said in a statement. It said both sides reaffirm the primacy of international law, including the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). An identical statement was also issued by India's defence ministry. The EU also said the two sides are keen to enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region in the wake of China's increasing military muscle-flexing has become a major talking point among leading global powers. In April, the EU came out with a comprehensive strategy for the Indo-Pacific, listing its priorities and vision for the region that the bloc said represents the world's "economic and strategic centre of gravity". The two-day naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Somalia saw the participation of a total of five warships. The EUNAVFOR is the EU's counter-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia. "The exercise was based on the scenario of an anti-piracy operation. It included cross-deck helicopter landings, complex tactical evolutions at sea, live firing, a night-time joint patrol and a naval parade in the high seas off the coast of Somalia," the EU said. The Indian Navy has been providing escort to the World Food Programme-chartered vessels, coordinated by the EUNAVFOR Somalia. "The EU and India intend to strengthen their operational cooperation at sea, including joint naval exercises and port calls, and to protect the sea-lanes of communication. They also intend to boost maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific through mutual coordination and exchanges," the EU said. "The EU and India reaffirm their interest to enhance their cooperation in the field of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region," it added.

EU, India commit to free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region

Calling India-EU Leadership summit of May 8 a "turning point" in ties, the European Union's envoy to India, Ugo Astuto, said, "We want to work together so that we can shape the global agenda".

This is the second time this format of one world leader and all 27 EU member states meet happened. The first was with US President Joe Biden&nbsp;in March this year.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, envoy Astuto spoke about the connectivity partnership, a key outcome of the summit saying, "connectivity" should be "grounded in principles such as sustainability... transparency."

The other key outcome of the summit was that both sides decided to resume talks on India-EU free trade agreement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-daily-covid-19-cases-fall-positivity-rate-remains-high-384369" hreflang="en">India's daily COVID-19 cases fall; positivity rate remains high</a>

On Indo-Pacific, the envoy said the bloc's strategy is "close to the Indian vision" and "India is clearly a key player" in the region.

In April, the European Council approved conclusions on the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy.

He also spoke on the EU's assistance to India amid the covid crisis, with flights from Finland, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Slovenia, Portugal, Malta expected to come to India soon.

WION: According to you, what is the key outcome of the India-EU leadership summit and&nbsp;how will it increase the ties at a time the world is changing fast? 
Ugo Astuto: It has been an extremely successful meeting. It has been described as a turning point and a historic meeting. I think it's a fair assessment. What we have seen is a clear indication —&nbsp;the intention of both sides to work for change in our strategic partnership. The meeting has taken place against the backdrop of this major crisis of covid. So, what emerged is a clear message of solidarity from the EU and its member states vis-a-vis India in difficult times. There is an understanding that as an international community we all need to work together if we want to address the emergency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-not-to-attend-g7-meeting-in-uk-due-to-covid-crisis-384351" hreflang="en">PM Modi not to attend G7 meeting in UK due to Covid crisis</a>

India has been leading by supporting the rest of the world since the outset of the emergency&nbsp;by exporting medicines and vaccines. We are trying to help India as much as we can and that is why we have set up this operation within the civil protection mechanism. So, a strong message of solidarity&nbsp;and intention to bring the world together to overcome this crisis and then a number of very concrete outcomes. We also took a&nbsp;decision to resume negotiations on the free trade agreement, on investment agreement and&nbsp;on a geographical indication agreement.

We have set the ground for a broad and ambitious economic agenda. We have also established a working group to deal with very topical issues such as reforms in WTO, resilient supply chain, and we want to discuss market access issues. We have agreed on a connectivity partnership which, I believe, is an important platform grounded in our common belief in a rules-based system of international governance, cooperative approach to international relations.

There was a clear message from the meeting that we want to work together in addressing global challenges such as climate change, the loss of biodiversity and digital transition. The twin priorities of the greening of our economies and digital transition — these are priorities that are shared by the EU and India. We want to work together so that we can shape the global agenda in a way that is conducive to the pursuit of global common goods. These are some highlights and a number of issues that came up

WION: In terms of FTA, the resumption of talks has been since it has been announced. What next? Are we looking at some timeline, when it can be concluded? 
Ugo Astuto: These are complex negotiations but what we have taken is the decision to resume the talks, the formal negotiations, and at the last summit in 2020, we had a high-level dialogue chaired by minister Goyal from the Indian side, on the European side by the executive vice president. This dialogue has proved to be very effective. The positive outcome at the summit was also driven by the good work done at the political level and working level. So we want to continue to use this dialogue, a structured mechanism put in place since last year.

WION: Connectivity partnership is another key focus area. What kind of practical cooperation can be seen? 
Ugo Astuto: It is an interesting document; it sets the principles, first and foremost. India and the EU come together because we believe in connectivity that is grounded in principles such as sustainability, fiscal sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, also transparency. We believe in a level playing field for this. We are open market economies, so want the private sector to play a key role in the implementation of projects related to infrastructure. The documents set in place, some principles which are shared,&nbsp;identify dimensions where we can work together for better connectivity, energy, transport, digital connectivity, and people to people connectivity. These are important areas where we can work together in the region and beyond.

For example, the European Investment Bank (EIB), in past few years in India, has been contributing to the development of sustainable mobility by investing in a number of metro systems. The day before the leader's summit, EIB signed a number of additional contracts for Kanpur and Pune metro. We have several instruments that we want to use and connectivity partnership sets the ground for the efficient use of these tools.

WION: Indian PM mentioned covid vaccine patent waiver and&nbsp;EU leadership has also talked about it. Can we expect some major movement coming from Brussels? 
Ugo Astuto: We are ready to discuss it, it's a very serious issue. Our priority is to figure out how to ramp up the production of vaccines worldwide and how to make this vaccine available at an affordable price. That is why the EU has been leading in the creation of the COVAX initiative and we are among the largest contributors. We believe it is important to increase production and avoid measures that may disrupt the supply chain. We have also, like India,&nbsp;been exporting vaccines. More or less many vaccines have been exported, as used domestically — around 200 million doses. India has also been leading the way, exporting to neighbors and beyond. We start from the same proposition that we want a response by the international community to the crisis which is based on solidarity and which pursues a global common good.

WION:&nbsp;How do both sides plan to engage on Indo pacific? 
Ugo Astuto: You are familiar with the council conclusions adopted a couple of weeks ago. The council's conclusions make it clear that the EU is a stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific. We want to shape a strategy for the Indo-Pacific, which we believe is close to the Indian vision. What are the objectives of the strategy, the strategy wants the EU to contribute to the region which is prosperous and stable and where international law is respected, including the law of the seas. We believe in a rules-based system of international governance. We believe international communities are best served when international law is respected. These are principles and values shared by India. Based on these agreed&nbsp;principles, I think there is wide scope for cooperation between the EU and India in the region. India is clearly a key player in the Indo pacific. It has been an active player and has been developing its own vision and there are obvious convergences and space for the EU and India to work together.

WION:&nbsp;Can you update us on the current situation when it comes to assistance to India? 
Ugo Astuto: We have additional member states joining in. Flights will be coming from Finland, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Slovenia, Portugal and Malta. The list gets longer every day;&nbsp;it a massive joint effort by all 27 member states coordinated by the EU civil protection mechanism and everyday planes landing. It is a concrete testimony&nbsp;to the fact that we have a strong partnership between the EU and India which I am sure will emerge stronger from this crisis. We have been helping each other as much as we could.&nbsp;

Calling India-EU Leadership summit of May 8 a "turning point" in ties, the European Union's envoy to India, Ugo Astuto, said, "We want to work together so that we can shape the global agenda".

Calling India-EU Leadership summit of May 8 a "turning point" in ties, the European Union's envoy to India, Ugo Astuto, said, "We want to work together so that we can shape the global agenda". This is the second time this format of one world leader and all 27 EU member states meet happened. The first was with US President Joe Biden in March this year. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, envoy Astuto spoke about the connectivity partnership, a key outcome of the summit saying, "connectivity" should be "grounded in principles such as sustainability... transparency." The other key outcome of the summit was that both sides decided to resume talks on India-EU free trade agreement. Also read | India's daily COVID-19 cases fall; positivity rate remains high On Indo-Pacific, the envoy said the bloc's strategy is "close to the Indian vision" and "India is clearly a key player" in the region. In April, the European Council approved conclusions on the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy. He also spoke on the EU's assistance to India amid the covid crisis, with flights from Finland, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Slovenia, Portugal, Malta expected to come to India soon. WION: According to you, what is the key outcome of the India-EU leadership summit and how will it increase the ties at a time the world is changing fast? Ugo Astuto: It has been an extremely successful meeting. It has been described as a turning point and a historic meeting. I think it's a fair assessment. What we have seen is a clear indication — the intention of both sides to work for change in our strategic partnership. The meeting has taken place against the backdrop of this major crisis of covid. So, what emerged is a clear message of solidarity from the EU and its member states vis-a-vis India in difficult times. There is an understanding that as an international community we all need to work together if we want to address the emergency. Also read | PM Modi not to attend G7 meeting in UK due to Covid crisis India has been leading by supporting the rest of the world since the outset of the emergency by exporting medicines and vaccines. We are trying to help India as much as we can and that is why we have set up this operation within the civil protection mechanism. So, a strong message of solidarity and intention to bring the world together to overcome this crisis and then a number of very concrete outcomes. We also took a decision to resume negotiations on the free trade agreement, on investment agreement and on a geographical indication agreement. We have set the ground for a broad and ambitious economic agenda. We have also established a working group to deal with very topical issues such as reforms in WTO, resilient supply chain, and we want to discuss market access issues. We have agreed on a connectivity partnership which, I believe, is an important platform grounded in our common belief in a rules-based system of international governance, cooperative approach to international relations. There was a clear message from the meeting that we want to work together in addressing global challenges such as climate change, the loss of biodiversity and digital transition. The twin priorities of the greening of our economies and digital transition — these are priorities that are shared by the EU and India. We want to work together so that we can shape the global agenda in a way that is conducive to the pursuit of global common goods. These are some highlights and a number of issues that came up WION: In terms of FTA, the resumption of talks has been since it has been announced. What next? Are we looking at some timeline, when it can be concluded? Ugo Astuto: These are complex negotiations but what we have taken is the decision to resume the talks, the formal negotiations, and at the last summit in 2020, we had a high-level dialogue chaired by minister Goyal from the Indian side, on the European side by the executive vice president. This dialogue has proved to be very effective. The positive outcome at the summit was also driven by the good work done at the political level and working level. So we want to continue to use this dialogue, a structured mechanism put in place since last year. WION: Connectivity partnership is another key focus area. What kind of practical cooperation can be seen? Ugo Astuto: It is an interesting document; it sets the principles, first and foremost. India and the EU come together because we believe in connectivity that is grounded in principles such as sustainability, fiscal sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, also transparency. We believe in a level playing field for this. We are open market economies, so want the private sector to play a key role in the implementation of projects related to infrastructure. The documents set in place, some principles which are shared, identify dimensions where we can work together for better connectivity, energy, transport, digital connectivity, and people to people connectivity. These are important areas where we can work together in the region and beyond. For example, the European Investment Bank (EIB), in past few years in India, has been contributing to the development of sustainable mobility by investing in a number of metro systems. The day before the leader's summit, EIB signed a number of additional contracts for Kanpur and Pune metro. We have several instruments that we want to use and connectivity partnership sets the ground for the efficient use of these tools. WION: Indian PM mentioned covid vaccine patent waiver and EU leadership has also talked about it. Can we expect some major movement coming from Brussels? Ugo Astuto: We are ready to discuss it, it's a very serious issue. Our priority is to figure out how to ramp up the production of vaccines worldwide and how to make this vaccine available at an affordable price. That is why the EU has been leading in the creation of the COVAX initiative and we are among the largest contributors. We believe it is important to increase production and avoid measures that may disrupt the supply chain. We have also, like India, been exporting vaccines. More or less many vaccines have been exported, as used domestically — around 200 million doses. India has also been leading the way, exporting to neighbors and beyond. We start from the same proposition that we want a response by the international community to the crisis which is based on solidarity and which pursues a global common good. WION: How do both sides plan to engage on Indo pacific? Ugo Astuto: You are familiar with the council conclusions adopted a couple of weeks ago. The council's conclusions make it clear that the EU is a stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific. We want to shape a strategy for the Indo-Pacific, which we believe is close to the Indian vision. What are the objectives of the strategy, the strategy wants the EU to contribute to the region which is prosperous and stable and where international law is respected, including the law of the seas. We believe in a rules-based system of international governance. We believe international communities are best served when international law is respected. These are principles and values shared by India. Based on these agreed principles, I think there is wide scope for cooperation between the EU and India in the region. India is clearly a key player in the Indo pacific. It has been an active player and has been developing its own vision and there are obvious convergences and space for the EU and India to work together. WION: Can you update us on the current situation when it comes to assistance to India? Ugo Astuto: We have additional member states joining in. Flights will be coming from Finland, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Slovenia, Portugal and Malta. The list gets longer every day; it a massive joint effort by all 27 member states coordinated by the EU civil protection mechanism and everyday planes landing. It is a concrete testimony to the fact that we have a strong partnership between the EU and India which I am sure will emerge stronger from this crisis. We have been helping each other as much as we could.

India, EU leadership summit 'turning point' in ties, says EU envoy Ugo Astuto

The first-ever India-EU summit comprising of India and 27 EU member states began on Saturday. World leaders showered praise on India. These included French President Emmanuel Macron who said India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa who himself is an Overseas Citizen of India. He spoke about his OCI card with pride.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed EU leadership to support waiver on Trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS waiver) at WTO (World Trade Organisation). This wavier is being sought for Covid-related treatments and vaccines to be widely available across the world.

Last week US extended support for the wavier, which came in the backdrop of PM Modi-US President Joe Biden's talks. The wavier will help in the production of more covid vaccines helping ease the situation globally.

During the summit on Saturday, several EU leaders individually thanked India for medical supplies it provided last year while Europe battled the pandemic. &nbsp;All the EU leaders extended solidarity and support to the people of India and the government amid the covid crisis.&nbsp;

French President Macron pointed out that India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" about vaccine supplies. He highlighted that India has "exported a lot for vaccines for humanity" while mentioning the situation in the country due to covid. Spain PM Pedro Sánchez warmly recalled Indian assistance last year when Spain faced terrible times due to COVID.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-covid-drug-by-indias-defence-research-and-development-organisation-gets-regulator-nod-383728">Anti-Covid drug by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation gets regulator nod</a>

Portuguese PM Antonio Costa proudly mentioned his status as an OCI.

Portugal is the President of the Council of the European Union and the virtual India-EU Leaders meet is being hosted by Portugal PM António Costa.

'Kem Chho'

Belgian PM Alexander De Croo greeted PM Narendra Modi with 'Kem Chho'. It means 'how are you?' in Gujarati, PM Modi's mother tongue.

7,000 people of Indian origin people live in Belgium. Large number of Gujaratis stay in Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warmly recalled Indian assistance last year during the worst time for Spain. India has been exported vaccines and medicines to many countries in the world during the pandemic.

It is for the second time the EU is holding such a summit with any country. In March, US President Joe Biden meet with EU member states in such a format.

The first-ever India-EU summit comprising of India and 27 EU member states began on Saturday. World leaders showered praise on India. These included French President Emmanuel Macron who said India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa who himself is an Overseas Citizen of India.

The first-ever India-EU summit comprising of India and 27 EU member states began on Saturday. World leaders showered praise on India. These included French President Emmanuel Macron who said India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa who himself is an Overseas Citizen of India. He spoke about his OCI card with pride. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed EU leadership to support waiver on Trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS waiver) at WTO (World Trade Organisation). This wavier is being sought for Covid-related treatments and vaccines to be widely available across the world. Last week US extended support for the wavier, which came in the backdrop of PM Modi-US President Joe Biden's talks. The wavier will help in the production of more covid vaccines helping ease the situation globally. During the summit on Saturday, several EU leaders individually thanked India for medical supplies it provided last year while Europe battled the pandemic. All the EU leaders extended solidarity and support to the people of India and the government amid the covid crisis. French President Macron pointed out that India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" about vaccine supplies. He highlighted that India has "exported a lot for vaccines for humanity" while mentioning the situation in the country due to covid. Spain PM Pedro Sánchez warmly recalled Indian assistance last year when Spain faced terrible times due to COVID. Also Read | Anti-Covid drug by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation gets regulator nod Portuguese PM Antonio Costa proudly mentioned his status as an OCI. Portugal is the President of the Council of the European Union and the virtual India-EU Leaders meet is being hosted by Portugal PM António Costa. 'Kem Chho' Belgian PM Alexander De Croo greeted PM Narendra Modi with 'Kem Chho'. It means 'how are you?' in Gujarati, PM Modi's mother tongue. 7,000 people of Indian origin people live in Belgium. Large number of Gujaratis stay in Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warmly recalled Indian assistance last year during the worst time for Spain. India has been exported vaccines and medicines to many countries in the world during the pandemic. It is for the second time the EU is holding such a summit with any country. In March, US President Joe Biden meet with EU member states in such a format.

India-EU Summit: EU leaders extend solidarity to India, PM Modi presses for vaccine patent waivers

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and&nbsp;India&nbsp;were set to bolster warming ties at a virtual summit Saturday by relaunching long-stalled trade talks and agreeing to work together against the coronavirus pandemic battering the south Asian giant.

The devastating wave of infections sweeping&nbsp;India&nbsp;has already impacted the meeting by forcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to scrap plans to fly to Portugal to see his European counterparts. &nbsp;

But the 27-nation bloc and the world's largest democracy remain determined to capitalise on growing momentum for tighter relations fuelled by shared concerns over the rising might of China.

"I am positive that we will be able to do a major step forward because between the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and&nbsp;India&nbsp;there is a close relationship, but also a lot of untapped potential," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said as&nbsp;EU&nbsp;leaders gathered in Porto.

"The most untapped potential is in trade and investment."

EU&nbsp;countries have sent medical equipment and drugs worth an estimated 100 million euros ($120 million) to&nbsp;India&nbsp;as part of international efforts to help it fight against the flood of COVID-19 cases.

The focus on the virus at the summit will be on making sure the two vaccine-producing powerhouses can maintain global supplies and monitoring the spread of variants, as well as on trying to plan together to tackle future pandemics.

"We obviously need to work together to continue our efforts to ramp up production, secure the necessary raw materials, and keep supply chains open," a senior&nbsp;EU&nbsp;official said.&nbsp;

"Leaders are going to commit to working together, to better prepare for and respond to global health emergencies, and this clearly includes strengthening and reforming the World Health Organization."

Von der Leyen said the two sides would agree on a "common platform" on sequencing the Covid-19 virus to help keep track of any new variants that may emerge.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/push-on-social-issues-as-eu-faces-covid-fallout-383556">Push on social issues as EU faces Covid fallout</a>

Waiving patents&nbsp;

Modi could also push the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;on waiving patents for COVID-19 jabs after the US threw its weight behind the proposal.

European Council chief Charles Michel said the bloc was willing to discuss the initiative once a concrete proposal was "on the table", but leaders have expressed scepticism about lifting patents.&nbsp;

While the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">pandemic</a> casts a long shadow over the summit, the key announcement is the restarting of talks on a free trade agreement that have been suspended since 2013.

Von der Leyen said talks would restart on a trade pact and begin on separate deals to protect investments and regionally-specific&nbsp;products.&nbsp;

She said that the two sides would also look to cooperate on developing cutting edge technologies including Artificial Intelligence and supercomputers.&nbsp;

Negotiations on the trade deal were halted eight years ago after getting stuck on issues including cutting tariffs and access for Indian workers to Europe.&nbsp;

'Elephant in the room'&nbsp;

It remains to be seen if&nbsp;India&nbsp;is now willing to drop an approach viewed as deeply protectionist by the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;to seal a deal this time around.

"It won't be easy or quick to reach," an official from the bloc told AFP.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/crucial-india-eu-summit-india-european-union-to-hold-key-virtual-trade-talks-383655/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But growing tensions with China could create a new impetus for talks, with one diplomat calling Beijing "the elephant in the room".

For the&nbsp;EU, the push to restart negotiations comes as efforts to ratify an investment deal agreed with China that hit the buffers after relations soured over tit-for-tat sanctions.

"India&nbsp;for its part has also decided to invest more in its relations with the&nbsp;EU, driven in part by China's growing assertiveness and Brexit, requiring New Delhi to no longer see London as its sole entry point into&nbsp;'Europe',"&nbsp;EU&nbsp;foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote in a blog post.

Britain's departure from the bloc has also created another rival for Brussels as London makes its own play to bolster trade ties with&nbsp;India.

The British government said Tuesday it would start formal free talks with&nbsp;India&nbsp;later this year after the two sides agreed on an initial package to boost trade and investment.

The EU and India were set to bolster warming ties at a virtual summit Saturday by relaunching long-stalled trade talks and agreeing to work together against the coronavirus pandemic battering the south Asian giant.

The EU and India were set to bolster warming ties at a virtual summit Saturday by relaunching long-stalled trade talks and agreeing to work together against the coronavirus pandemic battering the south Asian giant. The devastating wave of infections sweeping India has already impacted the meeting by forcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to scrap plans to fly to Portugal to see his European counterparts. But the 27-nation bloc and the world's largest democracy remain determined to capitalise on growing momentum for tighter relations fuelled by shared concerns over the rising might of China. "I am positive that we will be able to do a major step forward because between the EU and India there is a close relationship, but also a lot of untapped potential," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said as EU leaders gathered in Porto. "The most untapped potential is in trade and investment." EU countries have sent medical equipment and drugs worth an estimated 100 million euros ($120 million) to India as part of international efforts to help it fight against the flood of COVID-19 cases. The focus on the virus at the summit will be on making sure the two vaccine-producing powerhouses can maintain global supplies and monitoring the spread of variants, as well as on trying to plan together to tackle future pandemics. "We obviously need to work together to continue our efforts to ramp up production, secure the necessary raw materials, and keep supply chains open," a senior EU official said. "Leaders are going to commit to working together, to better prepare for and respond to global health emergencies, and this clearly includes strengthening and reforming the World Health Organization." Von der Leyen said the two sides would agree on a "common platform" on sequencing the Covid-19 virus to help keep track of any new variants that may emerge. Also read | Push on social issues as EU faces Covid fallout Waiving patents Modi could also push the EU on waiving patents for COVID-19 jabs after the US threw its weight behind the proposal. European Council chief Charles Michel said the bloc was willing to discuss the initiative once a concrete proposal was "on the table", but leaders have expressed scepticism about lifting patents. While the pandemic casts a long shadow over the summit, the key announcement is the restarting of talks on a free trade agreement that have been suspended since 2013. Von der Leyen said talks would restart on a trade pact and begin on separate deals to protect investments and regionally-specific products. She said that the two sides would also look to cooperate on developing cutting edge technologies including Artificial Intelligence and supercomputers. Negotiations on the trade deal were halted eight years ago after getting stuck on issues including cutting tariffs and access for Indian workers to Europe. 'Elephant in the room' It remains to be seen if India is now willing to drop an approach viewed as deeply protectionist by the EU to seal a deal this time around. "It won't be easy or quick to reach," an official from the bloc told AFP. But growing tensions with China could create a new impetus for talks, with one diplomat calling Beijing "the elephant in the room". For the EU, the push to restart negotiations comes as efforts to ratify an investment deal agreed with China that hit the buffers after relations soured over tit-for-tat sanctions. "India for its part has also decided to invest more in its relations with the EU, driven in part by China's growing assertiveness and Brexit, requiring New Delhi to no longer see London as its sole entry point into 'Europe'," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote in a blog post. Britain's departure from the bloc has also created another rival for Brussels as London makes its own play to bolster trade ties with India. The British government said Tuesday it would start formal free talks with India later this year after the two sides agreed on an initial package to boost trade and investment.

EU and India relaunch trade quest at COVID-hit summit

After a gap of eight years, India and the European Union (EU) will resume talks on a "comprehensive" free trade agreement, a key outcome of the India-EU leaders meeting that will take place virtually on Saturday. The summit that takes place around 5 pm IST will see Indian PM along with Heads of State or Government of all the 27 EU Member States present.

With a focus on a "balanced, ambitious" FTA pact, European sources called the resumption of FTA talks a "breakthrough". Other key outcomes will be on connectivity partnership that will "bring region, people" much together. This is the second time the EU will have such a partnership with any country — the first was Japan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lessons-for-india-how-europe-us-tackled-covid-19-second-and-third-waves-383317" hreflang="en">Lessons for India: How Europe, US tackled COVID-19 second and third waves</a>

The summit was to happen in Portugal for which Indian PM Modi's visit was scheduled, but the visit was postponed due to the covid crisis in India. Portugal is the President of the Council of the European Union and the virtual India-EU Leaders meet is being hosted by Portugal PM António Costa.

A release by the Ministry of External Affairs said, "The India-EU Leaders' Meeting is an unprecedented opportunity for discussion with all the leaders of the EU Member States. It is a significant political milestone and will further build on the momentum witnessed in the relationship since the 15th India-EU Summit in July 2020."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-hails-tireless-work-of-indian-medics-in-his-message-to-india-383290" hreflang="en">Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India</a>

This is the second time this format of one world leader and all 27 EU member states is meeting, the first was with US President in March this year. PM will also participate in a meeting of the European Council as a special invitee at the invitation of the President of the European Council Charles Michel.

"The meeting on Saturday will be between two natural partners. World's second largest democracies that share values, have converging interest, and support multilateralism. We need to demonstrate a democratic and open model is the most capable and able to address the challenges of the world," said, European sources on India EU meet on Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-australian-state-of-victoria-sends-aid-worth-31-million-to-india-383233" hreflang="en">Coronavirus in India: Australian state of Victoria sends aid worth $31 million to India</a>

Vaccines will be another key focus as the virtual summit, with a waiver on intellectual property rights on covid vaccines to be part of the discussion. After the US announced its support to waiver to intellectual property on covid vaccine patent, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that the block is ready to have a discussion on the subjects.

EU has been exporting a large number of vaccines, something which helps the world. India, too, had recently sent vaccines to more than 90 countries under its vaccine outreach programme. India had paused the outreach as the second wave of covid crisis wreaks havoc in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-need-for-tests-after-10-days-of-home-isolation-in-mild-cases-new-guidelines-383204" hreflang="en">No need for tests after 10 days of home isolation in mild cases: New guidelines</a>

"All countries with significant production should resume covid vaccine export," said European Sources but explained, "everyone understands India needs to make sure its citizen" get vaccinated and nobody "will be pressuring PM Modi" to start export right now.

Other key focus areas will resilient supply chains, with a special focus on medical supply chains, artificial intelligence, supercomputing, with sources describing India as "truly a powerhouse on the digital partnership".

On Indo Pacific, the EU is keen to "reinforce" its position, given that just a few weeks ago European Council had approved the conclusions on the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy. The human right remains another area of discussion under the India and EU human rights dialogue. &nbsp;

"We respect India as a secular democracy and human rights part of the political dialogue between India And EU," said European government&nbsp;sources.

After a gap of eight years, India and the European Union (EU) will resume talks on a "comprehensive" free trade agreement, a key outcome of the India-EU leaders meeting that will take place virtually on Saturday.

After a gap of eight years, India and the European Union (EU) will resume talks on a "comprehensive" free trade agreement, a key outcome of the India-EU leaders meeting that will take place virtually on Saturday. The summit that takes place around 5 pm IST will see Indian PM along with Heads of State or Government of all the 27 EU Member States present. With a focus on a "balanced, ambitious" FTA pact, European sources called the resumption of FTA talks a "breakthrough". Other key outcomes will be on connectivity partnership that will "bring region, people" much together. This is the second time the EU will have such a partnership with any country — the first was Japan. Also read | Lessons for India: How Europe, US tackled COVID-19 second and third waves The summit was to happen in Portugal for which Indian PM Modi's visit was scheduled, but the visit was postponed due to the covid crisis in India. Portugal is the President of the Council of the European Union and the virtual India-EU Leaders meet is being hosted by Portugal PM António Costa. A release by the Ministry of External Affairs said, "The India-EU Leaders' Meeting is an unprecedented opportunity for discussion with all the leaders of the EU Member States. It is a significant political milestone and will further build on the momentum witnessed in the relationship since the 15th India-EU Summit in July 2020." Also read | Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India This is the second time this format of one world leader and all 27 EU member states is meeting, the first was with US President in March this year. PM will also participate in a meeting of the European Council as a special invitee at the invitation of the President of the European Council Charles Michel. "The meeting on Saturday will be between two natural partners. World's second largest democracies that share values, have converging interest, and support multilateralism. We need to demonstrate a democratic and open model is the most capable and able to address the challenges of the world," said, European sources on India EU meet on Saturday. Also read | Coronavirus in India: Australian state of Victoria sends aid worth $31 million to India Vaccines will be another key focus as the virtual summit, with a waiver on intellectual property rights on covid vaccines to be part of the discussion. After the US announced its support to waiver to intellectual property on covid vaccine patent, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that the block is ready to have a discussion on the subjects. EU has been exporting a large number of vaccines, something which helps the world. India, too, had recently sent vaccines to more than 90 countries under its vaccine outreach programme. India had paused the outreach as the second wave of covid crisis wreaks havoc in the country. Also read | No need for tests after 10 days of home isolation in mild cases: New guidelines "All countries with significant production should resume covid vaccine export," said European Sources but explained, "everyone understands India needs to make sure its citizen" get vaccinated and nobody "will be pressuring PM Modi" to start export right now. Other key focus areas will resilient supply chains, with a special focus on medical supply chains, artificial intelligence, supercomputing, with sources describing India as "truly a powerhouse on the digital partnership". On Indo Pacific, the EU is keen to "reinforce" its position, given that just a few weeks ago European Council had approved the conclusions on the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy. The human right remains another area of discussion under the India and EU human rights dialogue. "We respect India as a secular democracy and human rights part of the political dialogue between India And EU," said European government sources.

India-EU virtual summit: Talks on FTA to resume, focus on dealing Covid crisis

The 16th India, EU leaders summit has been proposed to be held in Portugal in May 2021, a summit that comes even as Delhi and several European capitals increase cooperation and convergence. During the summit, a key focus will be on the India-EU free trade agreement which both sides are keen on.

The15th India-EU summit took place virtually amid&nbsp;the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic in July of this year. India was led by PM Narendra Modi, while was represented by President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

This year has seen engagements increase between India and the European block. Wednesday saw a virtual meet between External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Spanish FM Arancha Gonzalez Laya.

A ministry of external affairs read out said, "Both leaders undertook a detailed review of bilateral ties including the extensive cooperation between the two countries during Covid-19 pandemic and possibilities of cooperation in the post-Covid scenario."

Late October saw, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla going to France and Germany, along with the UK. The in-person visit to Paris and Berlin came amidst covid pandemic.

EU is emerging as an important support of India's Indo Pacific vision. France, Germany, and The Netherlands have recently enunciated their official policies on the concept which China sees very suspiciously.

The EU is also a key investor in India with the European Investment Bank planning to invest €550 million in the Pune and Bhopal Metro Rail Projects.

&nbsp;

The 16th India, EU leaders summit has been proposed to be held in Portugal in May 2021, a summit that comes even as Delhi and several European capitals increase cooperation and convergence.

The 16th India, EU leaders summit has been proposed to be held in Portugal in May 2021, a summit that comes even as Delhi and several European capitals increase cooperation and convergence. During the summit, a key focus will be on the India-EU free trade agreement which both sides are keen on. The15th India-EU summit took place virtually amid the COVID-19 pandemic in July of this year. India was led by PM Narendra Modi, while was represented by President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. This year has seen engagements increase between India and the European block. Wednesday saw a virtual meet between External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Spanish FM Arancha Gonzalez Laya. A ministry of external affairs read out said, "Both leaders undertook a detailed review of bilateral ties including the extensive cooperation between the two countries during Covid-19 pandemic and possibilities of cooperation in the post-Covid scenario." Late October saw, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla going to France and Germany, along with the UK. The in-person visit to Paris and Berlin came amidst covid pandemic. EU is emerging as an important support of India's Indo Pacific vision. France, Germany, and The Netherlands have recently enunciated their official policies on the concept which China sees very suspiciously. The EU is also a key investor in India with the European Investment Bank planning to invest €550 million in the Pune and Bhopal Metro Rail Projects.

16th India, EU summit proposed for May 2021 in Portugal

India and the European Union have postponed the 15th India-EU summit that was to take place in Brussels on March 13 over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-29-people-test-positive-in-india-paytm-and-oyo-affected-284356">coronavirus</a> fears.

PM Modi was supposed to go for the summit whose main focus was to kick-start talks on India-EU free trade agreement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-reports-first-death-as-china-reports-over-3000-deaths-284504">Also Read: Switzerland reports first death as China reports over 3,000 deaths</a>

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in response to a question in the weekly presser said, "With regard to the proposed India-EU Summit, both sides have agreed that due to health authorities advising against travel between regions, it would be wise to re-schedule the summit to a later mutually convenient date."&nbsp;

"The decision has been taken in the spirit of the close cooperation between India and the EU who share the same concerns and commitment to global health and hope that the outbreak is contained soon," the external affairs ministry spokesman said.

The EU mission in Delhi also issued a statement saying: "In view of precautionary measures related to the global spread of COVID-19, the EU and India have jointly decided to postpone the EU-India summit foreseen initially for March 13 in Brussels."

Several major events have been postponed over coronavirus fears. The Indian navy had earlier postponed its largest exercise&nbsp;- Milan 2020. Navies from over 30 countries were to participate in the exercise&nbsp;in Visakhapatnam from March 18 to 27.

"It is for information that MILAN 2020...has been postponed taking into consideration the safety of all participants and travel restrictions imposed by the spread of COVID-19," the Indian Navy said.

Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) also postponed the 21st Asian Security Conference (ASC) to a later date due to ongoing global situation regarding coronavirus.

India and the European Union have postponed the 15th India-EU summit that was to take place in Brussels on March 13 over coronavirus fears. PM Modi was supposed to go for the summit whose main focus was to kick-start talks on India-EU free trade agreement.

India and the European Union have postponed the 15th India-EU summit that was to take place in Brussels on March 13 over coronavirus fears. PM Modi was supposed to go for the summit whose main focus was to kick-start talks on India-EU free trade agreement. Also Read: Switzerland reports first death as China reports over 3,000 deaths Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in response to a question in the weekly presser said, "With regard to the proposed India-EU Summit, both sides have agreed that due to health authorities advising against travel between regions, it would be wise to re-schedule the summit to a later mutually convenient date." "The decision has been taken in the spirit of the close cooperation between India and the EU who share the same concerns and commitment to global health and hope that the outbreak is contained soon," the external affairs ministry spokesman said. The EU mission in Delhi also issued a statement saying: "In view of precautionary measures related to the global spread of COVID-19, the EU and India have jointly decided to postpone the EU-India summit foreseen initially for March 13 in Brussels." Several major events have been postponed over coronavirus fears. The Indian navy had earlier postponed its largest exercise - Milan 2020. Navies from over 30 countries were to participate in the exercise in Visakhapatnam from March 18 to 27. "It is for information that MILAN 2020...has been postponed taking into consideration the safety of all participants and travel restrictions imposed by the spread of COVID-19," the Indian Navy said. Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) also postponed the 21st Asian Security Conference (ASC) to a later date due to ongoing global situation regarding coronavirus.

India-EU summit postponed over coronavirus fears

Even as the European Union Parliament is all set to discuss resolutions on the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) &amp; Kashmir, the EU foreign office has said that it doesn't represent the official position and called New Delhi a key partner.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/entirely-internal-matter-india-on-european-union-parliament-setting-resolution-against-caa-276781">Also Read:&nbsp;'Entirely internal matter'-&nbsp;India on EU Parliament setting resolution against CAA</a>

EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Virginie Battu-Henriksson, told WION, "Opinions expressed by the European Parliament and its members do not represent the official position of the European Union."

The official position of EU is that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan while comments on CAA are known yet.

The spokesperson was aware that the CAA is being assessed by India's Supreme Court for its constitutionality, explaining, "It is important to recall that these texts are only drafts tabled by various political groups in the European Parliament".

Six resolutions from different parties will be taken by EU Parliament later this week on Kashmir and CAA for discussion and&nbsp;vote.

Backing the Brussels-New Delhi partnership the spokesperson said: "India is a key partner for the EU to address global challenges and to jointly promote the rule-based multilateral order."

The 15th India-EU summit will take place on March 13 for which PM Modi will travel to Brussels.&nbsp;

French diplomatic sources said, for "France, a founding member of the European Union, the Citizenship Amendment Act is India’s internal political matter" and "European Parliament is an institution independent of member states and the European Commission."

The EU mission in Delhi earlier in the day stated, “The European Parliament is an independent institution, sovereign in the organization of its work and in its deliberations" and "the text referred to are draft resolution by political groups in the EP.”

Even as the European Union Parliament is all set to discuss resolutions on the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) & Kashmir, the EU foreign office has said that it doesn't represent the official position and called New Delhi a key partner.

Even as the European Union Parliament is all set to discuss resolutions on the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) & Kashmir, the EU foreign office has said that it doesn't represent the official position and called New Delhi a key partner. Also Read: 'Entirely internal matter'- India on EU Parliament setting resolution against CAA EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Virginie Battu-Henriksson, told WION, "Opinions expressed by the European Parliament and its members do not represent the official position of the European Union." The official position of EU is that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan while comments on CAA are known yet. The spokesperson was aware that the CAA is being assessed by India's Supreme Court for its constitutionality, explaining, "It is important to recall that these texts are only drafts tabled by various political groups in the European Parliament". Six resolutions from different parties will be taken by EU Parliament later this week on Kashmir and CAA for discussion and vote. Backing the Brussels-New Delhi partnership the spokesperson said: "India is a key partner for the EU to address global challenges and to jointly promote the rule-based multilateral order." The 15th India-EU summit will take place on March 13 for which PM Modi will travel to Brussels. French diplomatic sources said, for "France, a founding member of the European Union, the Citizenship Amendment Act is India’s internal political matter" and "European Parliament is an institution independent of member states and the European Commission." The EU mission in Delhi earlier in the day stated, “The European Parliament is an independent institution, sovereign in the organization of its work and in its deliberations" and "the text referred to are draft resolution by political groups in the EP.”

Ahead of CAA, Kashmir resolutions in EU parliament, EU foreign office says doesn't reflect official position

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