India, EU Set Ambitious Deadline to Conclude FTA Talks Amid Strengthened Indo-Pacific Ties

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The European Union and India have reaffirmed their commitment to finalizing a long-awaited free trade agreement by the end of the year. This announcement came during the 11th India-EU Foreign Policy and Security Consultations and the Sixth Strategic Partnership Review Meeting in Brussels on November 18 and 19, respectively. The two sides have vowed to work together towards a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the importance of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. They also underscored the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN charter. India and the EU have reiterated their support for the 'Peace Plan for Gaza' and called for an early restoration of peace and stability in the region. The two sides have also expressed their commitment to cooperation in various areas, including economic security, resilient supply chains, trade, and investment, as well as innovation and science and technology. The joint statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs and the EU highlights the progress made in various domains, including the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, and the importance of continued dialogue on economic issues. The two sides also condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. The consultations have emphasized the shared commitment to enhancing coordination on regional and global security, promoting a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, and strengthening the rules-based international order. The two sides have also reaffirmed their mutual interest in deepening EU-India security and defence dialogue and cooperation, including on maritime security, counterterrorism, cyber issues, space, defence industry, disarmament, and non-proliferation. The Foreign Policy and Security Consultations were chaired by EU's Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs, Olof Skoog, and Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs Sibi George, while the Strategic Partnership Review was chaired by EU's Acting Deputy Secretary General for Economic and Global Issues, Olivier Bailly, and George. The consultations have set the stage for the next phase of the partnership, centered on the development of a new Joint EU-India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, which is expected to be endorsed at the India-EU summit in New Delhi next year.