New Delhi, Feb 06, 2026 — By Ujwal Jalali
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told delegates at the inaugural India-EU Forum in New Delhi that the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been a “game-changing” development for relations between India and the European Union. He noted the pact has injected fresh momentum into a deepening strategic partnership, posting his remarks on X after the event.
The agreement is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment, strengthen and diversify supply chains, and support sustainable, inclusive growth at a time of global economic uncertainty. Officials say the FTA will open opportunities across sectors and create a firmer foundation for long-term cooperation.
Speaking at the forum, Jaishankar emphasized the growing depth and breadth of India-EU ties and identified several priority areas for future collaboration: security and defence, climate action, technology and innovation, and mobility of talent. He urged stakeholders to convert the trade deal’s potential into concrete projects and partnerships.
Jaishankar expressed hope that the India-EU Forum will serve as an important platform for dialogue, fostering increased conversations and greater convergence between New Delhi and Brussels on regional and global issues. His comments underscore a broader effort to expand the partnership beyond commerce to strategic and technological cooperation.
