Jaishankar discusses with top EU officials implementation of FTA

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday discussed with top European Union officials the next steps in the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which was finalised by the two sides in January.

After her meeting with Jaishankar, President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen said, “Good meeting with @DrSJaishankar today.’’

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In a social media post on ‘X’, she noted that the two sides concluded FTA ‘’the mother of all deals’’ in January and also signed a security and defence partnership. ‘’Now we are focused on efficient implementation, to deliver for the people of Europe and India as soon as possible,’’ she added.

The EU official said she also discussed developments in West Asia and in Ukraine. ‘’De-escalation, stability and energy security are our shared objectives,’’ she added.

Jaishankar, in his post on ‘X’, said, ‘’A pleasure to call on President @EU_Commission Ursula von der Leyen this afternoon. Her highly successful State visit to India this January marks a turning point in our ties. We are following up vigorously on it. Appreciate her insights on contemporary global developments. ‘’

The FTA will now undergo legal scrubbing, translation into 24 languages, and ratification by the EU Council, the European Parliament, and India. It is expected to come into force in January 2027.

Jaishankar also met Belgium Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and discussed intensifying bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, semiconductors, health, technology & innovation.’’ The two sides agreed to establish a strategic dialogue.