PM Modi, EU Leaders Push For Early FTA, Von Der Leyen Says 'India Has Important Role' In Ending Ukraine War
PM Modi, Costa, and von der Leyen discussed strengthening India-EU ties, prioritising the FTA and IMEEC corridor. They addressed global challenges, including the Ukraine conflict.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a joint telephone conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where the leaders reviewed bilateral ties and underlined the need for an early conclusion of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the three leaders welcomed the growing momentum in India-EU relations, particularly in areas such as trade, technology, investment, innovation, sustainability, defence, security, and supply chain resilience. They underlined the significance of the India–EU Strategic Partnership in tackling global challenges, promoting stability, and strengthening a rules-based international order.
The leaders reaffirmed their “shared commitment for an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations and implementation of the IMEEC corridor,” the PMO statement said.
Next India–EU Summit on the Agenda
Building on the historic visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India earlier this year in February, Modi, Costa, and von der Leyen also discussed organising the next India–EU Summit in India at the earliest convenient date. The Prime Minister extended an invitation to the two European leaders to attend the summit in India.
PM Modi took to X and stated, "Had a very good conversation with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Reaffirmed our shared commitment for an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA and implementation of the IMEEC corridor. Exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and efforts for bringing an early end to the conflict in Ukraine. We agreed that our Strategic Partnership has a key role to play in fostering stability and promoting a rules-based order."
Had a very good conversation with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Reaffirmed our shared commitment for an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA and implementation of the IMEEC corridor. Exchanged views on issues of…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2025
India Has Important Role To Play In Bringing Russia To End Its War: Ursula Von Der Leyen
The leaders also exchanged views on pressing regional and international issues. Discussions included the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Prime Minister Modi reiterating India’s “consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability.” The conversation ended with the leaders agreeing to remain in close contact.
Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen stressed India's role in ending the Ukraine war. In a post on X, she stated, "We had the pleasure of speaking with Prime Minister
@narendramodi . We warmly welcome India’s continued engagement with President Zelenskyy. India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace."
We had the pleasure of speaking with Prime Minister @narendramodi.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 4, 2025
We warmly welcome India’s continued engagement with President Zelenskyy.
India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace.
This war… pic.twitter.com/ri5Vkep6MQ
"This war carries global security consequences and undermines economic stability. So it is a risk to the entire world. Looking ahead, we plan to agree on a joint strategic agenda at the next EU–India summit, as early as possible in 2026. We also remain fully committed to concluding the Free Trade Agreement negotiations by the end of the year. To achieve this, progress is needed now," she added.
Germany to Back India-EU Trade Deal: Jaishankar
Separately, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed optimism about the conclusion of the FTA talks after discussions with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul on Wednesday. Speaking at a joint media briefing, Jaishankar said, “India would like to see its negotiations with the European Union for a free trade agreement move to a decisive conclusion soon.”
The minister noted that the talks focused on boosting bilateral cooperation in sectors including the economy, climate change, defence, and technology. He added, “We appreciate Germany’s aim to double trade with India.”
Jaishankar also welcomed Berlin’s keenness to collaborate in the semiconductor industry and the green hydrogen sector. Importantly, he stated that Wadephul had assured him Germany would “put its full weight behind the India-EU FTA.”
Calling Germany’s partnership with India “enormously important,” Jaishankar said the relationship was witnessing significant growth.
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