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.

There was a faint air of desperation when Brussels’ technocrats came to New Delhi. Yet closer ties could benefit everyone.

The European Union (EU) is exploring a security and defence partnership with India, while also aiming to complete negotiations for a free trade agreement by the end of this year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in New Delhi Friday.

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said EU and India were pushing to get a free trade agreement during this year. "I am well aware it will not be easy. But I also know that timing and determination counts," von der Leyen said in Delhi, adding that such an agreement would be the largest deal of this kind anywhere in the world.

European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen, who was in New Delhi on February 27-28, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to upgrade ties in a slew of areas spanning critical and new technologies, security, supply chain de-risking and resilience, and trade.

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

India and Ireland establish Joint Economic Commission to enhance trade and cooperation, with focus on key sectors and bilateral ties.

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.

The European Union plans to urge India to lower its high tariffs on cars and wine to boost trade, as it seeks to reduce its reliance on China, a senior official from the bloc said, ahead of a visit by the European Commission president to New Delhi.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday in an attempt to revive and expand economic ties. The return of Donald Trump to the White House, tensions with China and economic sanctions on Russia have prompted Brussels to push for deeper trading ties with other economies.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday said that the European Union is exploring a future Security and Defence Partnership with India, similar to the partnerships that the bloc shares with Japan and South Korea.