Both sides are likely to announce the successful conclusion of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks.

Republic Day Diplomacy: Jaishankar and EU Envoys Set Stage for India EU Summit

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with ambassadors from European Union (EU) countries on Thursday to discuss the strategic value of the growing India-EU partnership. According to the report, the meeting served as a crucial interaction ahead of the India-EU summit scheduled for next week on January 27.

During the meeting, Jaishankar said that the current global state is witnessing "volatility and instability as the new normal." He emphasised that stronger bilateral relations would help "de-risk the world economy" through cooperation on resilient supply chains. The report highlights that a stronger partnership is expected to stabilise the global order by strengthening ties across trade, mobility, and security.

Significant deliverables are expected from the upcoming summit. Both sides are likely to announce the successful conclusion of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks, alongside signing a defence and security partnership. Moreover, an agreement to promote mobility is also on the cards.

The interaction coincides with the upcoming state visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. Both leaders are scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on January 25 to attend the Republic Day parade as chief guests. EU Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin, described the exchange with the External Affairs Minister as reflecting a "high convergence of interests".

Source: Times of India