Meanwhile, India and the EU signed the long-awaited trade pact on January 27, calling it the “mother of all deals.” As a result, Pakistan fears the agreement may dilute its tariff advantage in European markets.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad has carefully reviewed the deal’s content. Moreover, he acknowledged growing anxiety among exporters who worry about losing competitiveness once India gains similar or better tariff access.

Importantly, the EU remains Pakistan’s largest export destination. Pakistan has benefited from the EU’s GSP+ scheme since 2014, which granted duty-free access on several goods. Consequently, textile exports to Europe surged by 108 percent under the arrangement. However, the GSP+ status will expire in December next year.

Therefore, Pakistan has intensified diplomatic outreach. Andrabi said officials raised the GSP+ issue during last year’s strategic dialogue with the EU. In addition, Pakistan continues bilateral discussions with EU member states and coordinated talks with EU headquarters in Brussels.

At the same time, Andrabi described the GSP+ framework as a “win-win” model. He noted that Pakistani textiles support European consumer markets by ensuring steady and affordable supplies. Currently, total trade between Pakistan and the EU stands at nearly €12 billion.

Separately, the Foreign Office responded to queries on regional and global issues. Pakistan took note of recent defence talks between India and the UAE but declined to comment. Furthermore, Andrabi ruled out joining the Abraham Accords, reaffirming Pakistan’s principled stance on Palestine.

On Iran, Pakistan reiterated opposition to the use of force. Lastly, Andrabi clarified that decisions on Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Cricket World Cup rest solely with the PCB and ICC.

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First, the leaders adopted the ‘Towards 2030: Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda’, which sets the roadmap for future engagement. At the same time, both sides concluded negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the largest trade deal in India’s history. Prime Minister Modi described the FTA as a blueprint for shared prosperity and deeper economic integration.

Meanwhile, India, EU sign 13 strategic deals covering security, defence, clean energy, mobility, science, and disaster management. Notably, both sides formalised the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership, strengthening cooperation in maritime security, cyber threats, space, and counter-terrorism.

In addition, India and the EU launched talks on a Security of Information Agreement to support defence collaboration. Financial cooperation also advanced through agreements involving the Reserve Bank of India and European regulators.

Furthermore, both partners boosted mobility, disaster response, and green energy ties. They also agreed to joint projects across Africa, the Indo-Pacific, and island nations.

Overall, the agreements reflect growing trust and shared democratic values between India and the European Union.

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Mother of all deals has already drawn global attention, the Prime Minister noted, as the India-EU FTA represents nearly 25 per cent of global GDP and about one-third of global trade. According to him, the scale of the agreement reflects the rising economic strength and global relevance of both India and the European Union.

PM Modi said the deal reinforces shared democratic values such as democracy and the rule of law. He added that the agreement will complement India’s trade arrangements with Britain and EFTA, strengthening India’s global trade network.

Congratulating industry stakeholders, the Prime Minister said the FTA would significantly benefit manufacturing as well as the services sector. He also stressed that the agreement would boost global confidence in India as an investment destination.

Focusing on energy, PM Modi highlighted major investment opportunities across the energy value chain, including oil, gas, and deep-sea exploration under the Samudra Manthan Mission. Negotiations for the India-EU FTA began in 2007 and resumed in 2022, finally culminating in a landmark deal aimed at boosting trade, investment, and shared prosperity.

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The two leaders focused on the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict. PM Modi reaffirmed India’s support for diplomatic efforts to end the war. They also reviewed the India-Italy Strategic Partnership covering defence, security, space, technology, education, and counter-terrorism. Both pledged to strengthen cooperation under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29.

Meloni also reiterated Italy’s support for the early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. She expressed confidence in the upcoming AI Impact Summit in India in 2026. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation under the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor initiative and maintain close dialogue on next steps.

The 80th UNGA session began in New York, focusing on wars in Gaza and Ukraine and Palestinian statehood recognition. The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues with heavy casualties, infrastructure damage, and global market impacts. Both nations remain entrenched, while international players support diplomatic and military solutions to reduce suffering and stabilize the region.

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During the call, Mitsotakis expressed support for the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He also conveyed Greece’s backing for the AI Impact Summit, which India will host in 2026. Modi thanked him for the warm wishes and appreciated Greece’s strong partnership.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders welcomed progress in cooperation across trade, investment, shipping, defence, technology, and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues and agreed to stay in close contact.

India-Greece relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during Modi’s visit to Athens in August 2023. Since then, both countries have engaged actively in multilateral forums and explored closer cooperation in maritime security, defence, and economic growth.

Mitsotakis visited India in February 2024, the first Greek head of government to do so in 15 years. Both leaders had emphasized shared democratic values, respect for international law, and collaboration on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) to boost trade and connectivity.

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The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to speed up negotiations for the India-EU FTA, targeting completion by the end of 2025. They also spoke about organising the next India-EU Summit in early 2026, with Modi inviting both leaders to India.

On Ukraine, Modi underlined India’s consistent support for an early end to the conflict and restoration of stability. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar separately spoke with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who stressed the importance of India’s role in achieving a just peace.

The European leaders welcomed India’s continued dialogue with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and emphasised that the war has global security and economic consequences. Both sides highlighted growing cooperation in trade, investment, technology, sustainability, and supply chain resilience.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic will soon visit New Delhi to accelerate FTA talks, which are making “rapid progress.”

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At a press briefing with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in New Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of deeper economic ties. He noted that bilateral trade between India and Germany reached a record high of $33.4 billion (28 billion euros) in 2024. Both sides now want to push this growth further.

Jaishankar also stressed the importance of moving the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) talks toward a decisive conclusion. He said that India and Germany share the vision of building a more resilient and secure economic partnership in the face of global challenges.

Wadephul echoed this confidence, recalling his earlier remarks that Germany was certain trade volumes with India would double soon. Both leaders underlined that stronger trade links will benefit businesses, create jobs, and improve cooperation in technology, energy, and sustainability.

By focusing on doubling their bilateral trade, India and Germany are setting a positive tone for future global partnerships.

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