ENA Global 2026-01-21 15:43:50 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Jan 21 (KNN)</strong> The European Union (EU) is close to finalising a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) with India that could create a market encompassing nearly 2 billion people and around one-fourth of global GDP, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Speaking at a special address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Leyen described the proposed pact as a potential mother of all deals, highlighting its strategic and economic significance for Europe. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Right after Davos, I will travel to India. There is still work to do, but we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement, she said, adding that Europe aims to deepen ties with todays growth centres and the economic powerhouses of this century, reported PTI.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>High-Level Visit and Expected Announcement</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">European Council President Antonio Costa and von der Leyen will visit India from January 25 to 27 to attend the Republic Day celebrations as chief guests and hold summit-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The two sides are expected to announce the conclusion of negotiations on the long-pending India EU Free Trade Agreement at the summit on January 27.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Beyond Trade: Defence and Strategic Cooperation</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In addition to the FTA, India and the EU are likely to unveil a defence framework agreement and a broader strategic agenda at the summit. The two sides are also expected to announce a joint comprehensive strategic vision for 2026 2030.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Negotiations are underway on a proposed Security and Defence Partnership, aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and interoperability. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The partnership could open opportunities for Indian companies to participate in the EUs SAFE programme, a EUR 150 billion financial instrument to accelerate defence readiness.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The summit is also expected to mark the launch of talks on a Security of Information Agreement, which would facilitate deeper industrial and defence collaboration.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span><br /> </p> 44851 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/global/indiaeu-trade-deal-almost-done-set-to-create-market-of-2-bn-people-eu-commission-president 2026-01-21 15:43:50 knnindia.co.in