New Delhi, Oct 29 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar engaged with a delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade in New Delhi on Wednesday. The discussions revolved around strategies to maximize convergences and enhance cooperation.

Present at the meeting were Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, along with other officials.

"I am pleased to have met the delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA) today in Delhi. We deliberated on how India and the European Union can maximize convergences and deepen cooperation. This partnership has the potential to stabilize the global economy and reinforce democratic principles. The timely conclusion of the India-EU FTA could significantly advance these goals," EAM Jaishankar shared on X following his meeting with the EU delegation.

Previously, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, during his visit to Brussels from October 26-28, engaged in fruitful discussions with Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, addressing key issues concerning the ongoing India-EU FTA negotiations.

“Both parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to finalize the India-EU FTA by the close of 2025, adhering to the clear directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the College of Commissioners’ visit to New Delhi in February 2025,” stated the official announcement.

The discussions centered on achieving a mutually beneficial, balanced, and equitable trade agreement, reflecting the significant political trust and strategic relationship between India and the European Union, while also respecting each other's priorities and sensitivities.

Furthermore, India acknowledged the necessity of ensuring that the FTA remains balanced in addressing both tariff and non-tariff barriers, while establishing transparent regulatory frameworks that facilitate trade for both partners in the upcoming years.

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a phone conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirming their shared commitment for an expedited conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations and the implementation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic (IMEEC) Corridor. The leaders acknowledged advancements in bilateral relations across crucial sectors such as trade, technology, investment, innovation, sustainability, defense, security, and supply chain resilience, with PM Modi inviting Costa and von der Leyen to India for the upcoming India-EU Summit.

"As the world's largest democratic entities, India and the EU enjoy a robust and close relationship founded on trust, shared values, and a collective vision for the future. The leaders emphasized the significance of the India-EU Strategic Partnership in collaboratively tackling global challenges, fostering stability, and supporting a rules-based order for mutual prosperity," concluded a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) following the call.