Modi, EU Chiefs Discuss Ukraine, Push to Seal FTA
PM Narendra Modi held a joint call with EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa on 4 Sept. to review ties and discuss Ukraine.
India and the European Union moved to accelerate a long-pending free trade pact and coordinated messaging on Ukraine in a joint call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa. New Delhi invited the leaders for the next India-EU summit, with work toward a joint strategic agenda in early 2026 and a renewed push.
What the Leaders Said
In posts after the call, the EU leadership welcomed India’s engagement with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and argued the conflict “carries global security consequences and undermines economic stability.” Von der Leyen added that “India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace.” The Indian readout said the leaders “exchanged views on the efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine,” and reviewed cooperation in trade, technology, investment, sustainability, defence, security and supply chains.
FTA Timeline and Next Steps
Both sides reiterated their push for an early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, with EU officials stressing “progress is needed now.” Separately, India signalled the talks are at an “advanced stage,” while Brussels is dispatching its trade commissioner to New Delhi for follow-up discussions as negotiators aim to lock in key market-access chapters before year-end.
Why India’s Role Matters
The EU remains India’s largest trading partner, and both sides see the FTA as a hedge against global economic headwinds and supply-chain risks exacerbated by the war. Trade priorities under discussion include tariff cuts for vehicles, medical devices, wines and spirits on the EU side, and improved access for Indian textiles, pharmaceuticals, steel and petroleum products—issues slated for the next negotiating rounds.
Next Summit on the Horizon
Building on the EU College of Commissioners’ outreach earlier this year, New Delhi invited the EU leadership to India, with both sides looking to finalise the date “at the earliest” and adopt a joint strategic agenda at the summit as early as 2026. The call also referenced connectivity plans via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor as part of a broader effort to deepen cooperation.