This Breakthrough Year: India and EU Set the Stage, Says Former PM Carl Bildt
New Delhi [ India On March 18 (ANI), the former Prime Minister of Sweden was mentioned. Carl Bildt On Monday stated that 2025 will mark a "turning point" in their relations. India and the European Union.
Talking to ANI, Bildt mentioned that both parties are dedicated to achieving an accord by the end of this year.
"I believe that we'll achieve a significant progress in the relationship between the European Union and India . Both sides have made a promise now India n and the EU "By the end of the year, both sides aim to reach some form of agreement," Bildt stated.
"Surely it must be challenging. It undoubtedly demands compromises from both the European side and India "Inside, but within the somewhat unpredictable climate surrounding international trade due to tariffs…I believe that would be crucial," he noted.
Earlier this month, during EU President Ursula von der Leyen's trip to India , both sides instructed their respective teams to finalize the Free Trade Agreement ( FTA ) Negotiations concluded by the end of the year.
An EU The official also mentioned that the recent gathering served as a preliminary step for an approaching event. India - EU summit, with the date still to be determined.
The gathering today wasn’t a summit; however, we’re gearing up for one. To prepare effectively, we aim to unite our efforts, delve into innovative concepts, and establish a fresh strategic framework. This plan will then be presented at the upcoming summit and serve as the foundation for collaboration within the European Union. EU The official stated during an online press conference.
In addition, during the margins of the Raisina Dialogue, a member of the UK House of Lords participated. Karan Bilimoria urged PM Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer to sign Free Trade Agreement.
Talking to ANI, he stated, "During my presidential term in 2022, we initiated discussions for the Free Trade Agreement between UK and India , which are the 5th and 6th biggest economies globally. We need to wrap up this discussion. FTA Now, we've been through nearly 14 negotiation rounds, and it has reached a point where the best is becoming the enemy of the good. Currently, India is merely the 12th biggest trade partner of the UK , which should be among the top three largest. FTA Will this assist in making it happen? I strongly encourage Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer to endorse this. FTA now.
Last Month, India And the United Kingdom restarted talks on a trade agreement that aims to be "equitable, mutually advantageous, and future-oriented."
The announcement was made by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and the Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom, Jonathan Reynolds, who is currently in the national capital.
Piyush Goyal and Jonathan Reynolds instructed the negotiators to collaborate closely to address the remaining points in the accord, ensuring a just and balanced trade agreement for mutual prosperity.
At the combined press conference, Goyal stated that this would mark a groundbreaking free trade deal offering substantial growth opportunities for enterprises and individuals from both nations. The aim is to potentially triple or double the present $20 billion worth of bilateral merchandise trade between them over the coming decade. (ANI)