Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has said India and the European Union (EU) have concluded official-level negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement, which is set to be announced today, to boost two-way commerce and strengthen economic ties between the two sides. 

 

He said the trade deal from the Indian perspective is balanced and forward-looking, which will help in the better economic integration of India with the EU. Mr Agrawal added that it will propel trade and investments in both economies.

 

The announcement will be made during the EU-India summit, which will be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.  European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa will hold the 16th India-EU summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today. 

Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, has said that the EU-India Security and Defence Partnership will be signed today. President of the European Council Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen are on a State Visit to India and were Chief Guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations.

 

They will co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit today. Kalas said there is strong momentum for closer cooperation with India, andthe  EU is seizing it. She said as a symbol of the deepening bond between the two countries, personnel from EU naval operations, Atalanta and Aspides, took part in the parade for the first time.