With External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighting the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the focal point of strengthening bilateral ties, India’s relationship with the European Union (EU) has entered a critical stage. India gives its collaboration with the EU “pretty high priority,” according to Jaishankar, who was speaking at the German Marshall Fund Brussels Forum 2025. This is in line with a ten-year increase in interaction and shared interest.
Strong confidence for the FTA was voiced by Jaishankar, who said that recent talks with EU officials have been “very positive.” Significant work has been achieved since the College of Commissioners’ February visit to India, he said, and he is certain that the FTA may be finalized by the end of 2025.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal echoes this perspective, stating that market access negotiations are about 90% finished, with only a few non-tariff barriers and regulatory hurdles left. After years of negotiations, the free trade agreement (FTA) is now viewed as achievable because to strong political resolve on both sides, particularly that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission.
Jaishankar emphasized that India-EU relations have expanded beyond commerce to include technology cooperation, talent and migration flows, education, and hopes for a defense and security alliance. The growing agenda is further evidenced by the creation of the Trade and Technology Council and talks about coordinating connectivity projects like the Global Gateway with Indian economic ambitions.
In addition, Jaishankar discussed the intricate geopolitical environment, pointing out that Europe frequently takes different stances from the US on international matters. In keeping with India’s history of autonomous foreign policy and flexibility in response to changing geopolitical conditions, he reaffirmed India’s strategy to interact with the US and the EU on mutually beneficial terms.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Jaishankar reiterated India’s long-standing position that talks are necessary and that conflicts cannot be settled by force. He noted that this viewpoint, which was once viewed with skepticism, is becoming more widely accepted globally.
With the FTA in the forefront, Jaishankar’s comments in Brussels herald a time of rekindled vigor and hope in India-EU relations. Underpinned by a mutual understanding of the growing significance of India-EU cooperation in a changing global context, the partnership is developing beyond trade to include strategic, technological, and people-to-people components.
