New Delhi, 27 January (H.S.): European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa described the conclusion of free trade agreement talks between India and the European Union on Tuesday as a clear message to the world. He stated that at a time when the global order is fundamentally changing, the European Union and India stand together as strategic and reliable partners.

During the 16th summit held at Hyderabad House between India and the EU, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reviewed the full spectrum of relations and discussed ways to deepen the partnership today.

In a joint press statement with Prime Minister Modi, Costa remarked that trade serves as a vital factor in fostering geopolitical stability and constitutes a fundamental source of economic growth. Trade agreements reinforce a rules-based economic order and promote shared prosperity. Today's free trade agreement holds historic significance.

It ranks among the most ambitious agreements concluded to date. It creates a market for 2 billion people.Costa declared, “Today marks a historic moment. We are opening a new chapter in our relations encompassing trade, security, and people-to-people ties.”

He deemed a comprehensive defence and security framework crucial, stating that both sides will work together to counter security threats. They will strengthen cooperation to better protect their citizens and shared interests.

He affirmed, “As the world's largest democracy and champion of multilateralism, the European Union and India share responsibility for upholding international law centered on the United Nations Charter. This morning, President Ursula and I had the opportunity to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. I reflected on his words, which remain true today. He said peace would come not from the clash of arms but from justice pursued and upheld by unarmed nations in difficult circumstances.”

Prior to his statement, President Costa displayed his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, expressing pride in being an Indian citizen residing abroad. He said, “I take great pride in my roots in Goa, from where my father's family originated, and the connection between Europe and India holds something deeply personal for me.”

Notably, Prime Minister Modi had commended his simplicity during his own statement.Calling for joint leadership on global issues, he urged support for all efforts to achieve just and lasting peace. In this context, he referenced Ukraine. He stated that during the summit, they reaffirmed commitment to efforts toward comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. This fully respects Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Ukraine has demonstrated readiness even at the cost of difficult compromises. They can rely on dialogue and diplomacy to create conditions for peace.

Uttarayana Ushers New Chapter in Friendship: Ursula

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen linked the India-EU partnership to the Makar Sankranti festival, stating that with Uttarayana, the time is ripe to add a new chapter to friendship with fresh momentum. It will lead from darkness to light, stagnation to growth.She remarked that the trade agreement strengthens both economies while providing security to people in a rapidly insecure world.

Today, the world's two largest economies and democracies have launched their first security and defence partnership.Ursula von der Leyen stated that the trade agreement will integrate supply chains and bolster joint production capacity. It will reduce tariffs by up to four billion euros annually for exporters of all sizes and create good jobs for millions of workers in India and Europe.

Moreover, this agreement builds on the natural complementarity of their economies.Describing the public as the greatest asset, Ursula von der Leyen said, “Between our two countries, we are signing a mobility agreement. We will facilitate mobility for students, researchers, seasonal, and highly skilled workers. This is why we are launching the first EU Legal Gateway Office in India. It will serve as a one-stop hub to support Indian talent heading to Europe, fully aligned with EU member states' policies. This benefits our economies. It benefits friendship between our peoples, and this openness benefits us all.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar