Jaishankar: India, EU negotiations on FTA have reached decisive phase

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday confirmed that India has reached a “decisive phase” in its negotiations with the European Union (EU) for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

He told visiting Netherlands Foreign Affairs Minister David van Weel that India counts on the Netherlands’ support in moving towards an early conclusion of the FTA.

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Jaishankar’s statement came amid reports that the long-pending pact could be signed when top EU leaders visit New Delhi as chief guests at the Republic Day parade in January.

The Indian minister noted that India has a strategic partnership with the Netherlands in Water and a very strong cooperation in Agriculture, Health, Science & Technology, and Shipping. ‘’But with the new areas of cooperation, important areas of cooperation like semiconductors now coming up, I think there is scope for raising the ambition of our relationship. So whether it is semiconductors, digital, cyberspace or life sciences, we would like to work more closely with you,’’ he added.

Jaishankar recalled the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Netherlands counterpart in Johannesburg on the margins of the G20 Summit, at which the two leaders reiterated their commitment to take this relationship forward.

‘’We, of course, value our relations with Netherlands enormously – bilaterally as well as a key player in the European Union. Today as we meet, we will recognise that a number of important agreements have been reached in the last few months, which have added more dimensions to our cooperation,’’ he added.

The two leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on global and regional issues.