The European Union has reached an agreement with India to advance the signing of a new security and defense partnership, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas announced on Wednesday. This deal comes as both parties gear up to unveil a free trade agreement and a framework aimed at facilitating the mobility of Indian professionals during high-level discussions scheduled for next week, according to a report by Reuters.
European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are set to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations as chief guests on January 26, followed by an India-EU summit on January 27. The visiting EU delegation will include around 90 members, notably Kallas, Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, and several director generals in charge of trade, energy, and industrial policy.
With a bilateral goods trade valued at $135 billion in the 2023–24 financial year, the European Union stands as India’s largest trading partner. The anticipated free trade agreement is projected to significantly enhance trade relations between the two entities. Both sides are expected to sign an agreement confirming the conclusion of negotiations for the free trade deal, which is regarded as India’s most significant such accord in recent times.
Once the document is signed, the legal vetting process will commence for the trade deal. This procedure involves a vote by the European Parliament followed by a green light from the European Council, enabling Trade Commissioner Sefcovic to finalize the agreement with his Indian counterpart.
Negotiations surrounding the ambitious free trade agreement are progressing amid rising concerns related to the United States’ trade and tariff policies, which have affected both India and the 27 EU member states. In addition to the trade deal, India and the EU are expected to release a coordinated strategic vision to guide their relationship from 2026 to 2030.
Sources indicate that both parties are still negotiating to resolve contentious issues, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), designed for imposing tariffs on carbon-intensive products like steel and cement. The EU maintains a principled stance on CBAM without altering provisions for the U.S. and other partners, with discussions ongoing for a “compromise solution” on this delicate topic.
Furthermore, the two sides are likely to finalize additional agreements to deepen their cooperation across various sectors, marking a significant step in enhancing bilateral relations.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/world/eu-and-india-agree-to-proceed-with-security-and-defence-partnership-kallas-says-13971134.html
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Publish Date: 2026-01-22 00:32:00
