External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that the finalisation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union marks a turning point in bilateral ties. He made these remarks after concluding his visit to Brussels. Dr Jaishankar said that the FTA will not only unlock its enormous economic potential but also express the strategic nature of engagement on both sides.

During the visit, Dr Jaishankar called on European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and held talks with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. He also met EU counterparts and held separate bilateral discussions with several leaders on the sidelines.

During the meeting, they discussed that India and the EU should proactively assist each other in practical activities, including trade and investment promotion, to realise the gains of FTA on the ground. Discussions were also held to de-risk supply chains and enhance resilience, which are shared objectives, and the FTA will encourage deeper business linkages to that end. Dr Jaishankar also informed that they also discussed that the India-EU partnership will act as a factor of stability and resilience in a multipolar and uncertain world.