“As we speak, the seventh round of negotiations is ongoing in New Delhi. It is an ambitious agreement and there are various elements to the FTA. While no timeline can be put as to when the FTA can be announced, I can say that there is a political will to conclude it,” Sannino said in an exclusive chat on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue – India’s premier foreign policy dialogue organised by the MEA and Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
Along with FTA talks, India-EU will also discuss an investment protection agreement (IPA) and a pact on geographical indications (GIs).
The sixth round of India-EU FTA trade negotiations comprised 71 technical sessions covering 18 of the 23 policy areas and chapters. These talks were held in person and virtually.
The proposed trade deal with the EU is one of the most complex FTAs being negotiated by India. While there is interest on both sides to take forward the deal, a breakthrough is unlikely before the general elections in India and European Parliament polls this year.
Sannino who is India’s equivalent to the Foreign Secretary also mentioned about a new area of cooperation between EU and India – defence. “I had a meeting with the Ministry of Defence today (Wednesday) and both sides are discussing ideas to cooperate in the defence sector including cyber security. There are plans to have an Indian Defence Minister in Brussels in future.”The proposed partnership in the defence sector is an extension of India-EU security partnership, Sannino said, adding, India-EU security partnership besides counter-terrorism is focusing on maritime security and Freedom of Navigation.
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