G7 Summit: PM Modi, EU Leaders Discuss Trade Deal, Strategic Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held talks with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, focusing on ways to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen India-European Union ties.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other senior officials attended the meeting.

The leaders recalled the 16th India-EU Summit held in India earlier this year and welcomed the significant progress made in bilateral relations, particularly following the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Describing the interaction as ‘wonderful’, PM Modi said the discussions centred on expanding economic linkages and enhancing cooperation in the years ahead.

It was wonderful meeting European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Evian earlier today. At the start of this year, India was proud to host them for our Republic Day celebrations. This has been a great time for India-EU ties… pic.twitter.com/jwVVUHhYK4

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2026

Antonio Costa expressed confidence that India and the European Union would sign the Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. He also said both sides would accelerate efforts on an investment agreement, strengthen security and defence cooperation, and advance connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).

Dear @narendramodi, it is a pleasure to meet again so soon.

Since we have concluded the mother of all trade deals, we have been moving fast to deliver on our commitments.

We will sign the Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year.

And accelerate work on an investment… pic.twitter.com/mIygKz0Jcs

— António Costa (@eucopresident) June 17, 2026

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The meeting comes months after the successful conclusion of India-EU FTA negotiations during the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi, a deal hailed by leaders on both sides as the “mother of all deals.”

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