European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen touched down in New Delhi on Saturday, signaling the final stretch for a transformative EU-India Free Trade Agreement. Sharing a short video on social media platform X, she radiated optimism, noting that despite remaining hurdles, the two sides are inches away from inking ‘the mother of all trade deals.’
The agreement, she explained, will create a colossal market for two billion consumers, representing about 25% of the world’s GDP. ‘Europe wants to do business with today’s growth centers—from Latin America to the Indo-Pacific and beyond,’ von der Leyen stated, underscoring the EU’s strategic pivot toward dynamic economies this century.
Union Minister Jitin Prasada extended a warm welcome, echoing sentiments from Davos where von der Leyen touted the FTA’s first-mover edge for Europe in Asia’s booming landscape. Insider reports suggest the January 27 India-EU Summit will culminate in successful talks, marked by a signed document. Subsequent ratification by EU bodies will pave the way.
Adding heft to the visit, negotiations also cover a defense and security pact plus streamlined mobility for Indian talent in Europe. Spanning goods, services, and India’s key export partner—the EU bloc—this deal stands as India’s most ambitious trade venture, poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities and bolster global supply chains.