Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa on the sidelines of the G7 summit. The leaders reviewed recent progress in ties and welcomed the understanding reached between the United States and Iran in West Asia for peace.
India-EU Free Trade Agreement
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced after the meeting that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would be signed by the end of this year. "Since we have concluded the mother of all trade deals, we have been moving fast to deliver on our commitments. We will sign the Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. And accelerate work on an investment agreement," Von der Leyen stated. She added that both sides will also enhance security and defence cooperation and join forces for better connectivity by advancing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Modi and the EU leaders emphasized the recent conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU FTA as a historic achievement. They stressed its expeditious signing and implementation, which would unlock "huge opportunities for trade and investment and contribute towards diversification of supply chains, particularly in the current turbulent geopolitical context."
Regional and Global Issues
Exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the leaders welcomed the developments in West Asia. "They reiterated their shared commitment to shaping a resilient multipolar global order that contributes to peace and stability, prosperity and sustainable development," said the Indian government in a statement.
Bilateral Meeting with German Chancellor
In the meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the leaders reviewed progress in bilateral engagements and expressed satisfaction at the renewed momentum in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. This followed the successful visit of the Chancellor to India and the conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations earlier this year. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, green and sustainable development, technology, innovation, education, and mobility.
"The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, including the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They also welcomed the understanding reached to end the conflict in West Asia," said an Indian statement.
