External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement is feasible by the end of 2025. He said India places a high priority on its relations with the European Union, the centrepiece of which is the Free Trade Agreement negotiations that are making very good progress. Speaking at the German Marshall Fund (GMF) Forum in Brussels, Dr Jaishankar expressed confidence that the year-end timeline set for the completion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) seems feasible following his in-depth talks with EU officials this week. He also highlighted the strength of the two-way relationship that goes beyond trade to cover aspects of defence and security, mobility, talent flows and education. Dr Jaishankar said that there is a complex equilibrium in the world as India and China have risen to power, and these countries also happen to be neighbours. He said, apart from border issues, there are trade and economic issues as well. Dr. Jaishankar said that unsettled boundary disputes play a huge role in their relations. The External Affairs Minister said that China and India have civilizational ties and have had a parallel rise. On the issue of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar highlighted India’s stance favouring a negotiated settlement of differences.
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