India and the European Union have agreed to finalize a long-pending free trade agreement this year and boost cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity and defense.

Its their first commitment to a deadline on talks that have been going for years, as they look to soften the effect of tariff increases from the US.

India, one of the world’s most protected markets, has been reluctant to lower tariffs, while the EU has been hesitant to ease visa restrictions for Indian professionals. “We have prepared a blueprint for collaboration in the areas of trade,

India and the EU aim to finalize a free trade agreement by year-end, focusing on investment protection and digital trade interoperability. Key negotiation points include lower tariffs on textiles, enhanced market access,

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Friday the European Union and India will work to finalize a free-trade agreement in 2025.

By Manoj Kumar and Shivangi Acharya NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Union have agreed to push for the conclusion of a free trade pact this year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.

India and the European Union will try to seal a trade deal during this year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday agreed to seal a much-awaited free trade deal by this year and boost technology and defence cooperation --

Security and defence cooperation was among the three focus areas for Von der Leyen’s visit, the others being trade and investment and connectivity initiatives