Following the historic signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, that the deepening bond between India and the European Union (EU) is a critical anchor for global stability. Speaking at a joint press conference at Hyderabad House alongside EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, the Prime Minister positioned the partnership as a direct response to a fractured international order.
Strategic Dialogue: Ukraine, West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific
The leaders engaged in extensive discussions regarding the world’s most pressing conflict zones, asserting that their cooperation transcends mere commerce.
- Conflict Resolution: PM Modi noted that both parties shared their perspectives on the ongoing crises in Ukraine and West Asia, advocating for a return to diplomacy and respect for international law.
- Indo-Pacific Security: The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, viewed as essential for global trade security.
- Call for Reform: A significant portion of the talks focused on the “obsolete” nature of current global institutions. PM Modi called for urgent multilateral reforms to better reflect the realities of 2026.
A “New Blueprint” for Prosperity
Beyond geopolitics, the Prime Minister lauded the newly minted FTA—frequently referred to as the “Mother of All Deals”—as a transformative economic engine.
| Key Area | PM Modi’s Vision |
| Trade & Economy | A “blueprint for shared prosperity” affecting 1.9 billion people. |
| Security | Enhanced defense industrial cooperation to reduce external dependencies. |
| Global Norms | Strengthening the international system against “unilateralism” and trade wars. |
The “Tale of Two Giants”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiment, describing the day as a “historic milestone” and calling the agreement a “Tale of Two Giants” coming together to safeguard the global economy against rising protectionism.
The summit concluded with both sides agreeing that the India-EU partnership is no longer just a choice, but a geopolitical necessity in a world of growing uncertainty.