New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that the India-UK free trade agreement could come into force soon, noting that the ratification process is moving quickly in the United Kingdom.Speaking at a commemorative session marking two years of the signing of the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, organised by ASSOCHAM via video conference in the national capital, Goyal said the agreement with the UK is progressing rapidly and c…
Latest Ursula von der Leyen News & Updates
Strasbourg, March 11 (IANS) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday the Middle East conflict has imposed heavy economic costs on Europe, driving up energy prices and adding billions of euros to import bills. “Since the beginning of the conflict, gas prices have risen by 50 per cent and oil prices by 27 per cent,” von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg. She said 10 days of war had already cost European taxpayers an extra 3 billion euros (3.48 billion…
New Delhi, March 5 (IANS) The pressure tactics of the Donald Trump administration have triggered a change in what was a strengthening India-US relationship, according to an article in a prestigious journal.Indian leaders initially assumed the United States would prioritise their partnership as part of a larger plan to compete with China, but this did not happen, which has forced New Delhi to look for alternative partnerships, according to the article in Foreign Affairs magazine.The article consi…
New Delhi, March 3 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Cyprus counterpart Constantinos Kombos on Tuesday, discussing the current situation in West Asia. Following their conversation, EAM Jaishankar in a post on X wrote, “Spoke with FM Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus, holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Exchanged views on the situation in the Gulf.”Cyprus government on Monday said that two drones flying towards the cou…
Brussels, Feb 28 (IANS) The European Union on Saturday expressed serious concerns over the latest developments in Iran, while reaffirming its steadfast commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability. The EU stated that it remains in close contact with the partners in the region. “Ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance. The European Union has adopted extensive …
New Delhi, Feb 6 (IANS) Highlighting the growing partnership between India and the European Union (EU), External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Friday described the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a transformative milestone in bilateral ties while addressing the India-EU forum.He also underlined the potential for deeper cooperation between India and the EU in areas including security, defence, climate, technology and talent flows.“Addressed the inaugural India-EU Forum th…
United Nations, Jan 30 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday that he sees “a lot of positive expectations” from the recent free trade agreement between India and the European Union, and it could contribute to global multi-polarity. On Tuesday, India and the EU announced the free trade agreement, which EU President Ursula von der Leyen called the “mother of all trade deals”.During his annual news conference to discuss his priorities for the year, Guterres stressed …
New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has strongly countered the Congress’ criticism of the India-European Union free trade agreement, asserting that the deal is not a zero-sum pact but a mutually beneficial one that will fuel India’s economic growth and open up large opportunities for businesses and citizens. The Congress party had earlier raised objections after the India-EU free trade agreement was finalised, questioning the Modi government’s handling of n…
Washington, Jan 29 (IANS) Washington reacted with unease after India and the European Union sealed a landmark free trade agreement, with influential lawmakers, top administration officials, and policy experts warning that America risks being sidelined. With this trade deal, New Delhi and Brussels will reshape global trade and strategic alignments, they feared.Senator Mark Kelly said the deal reflects growing frustration among US allies with Washington’s trade approach. “The EU has signed a t…
New Delhi, Jan 28 (IANS) The India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a positive step for the Indian medical device sector, said experts on Wednesday.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday jointly concluded the “mother of all deals”, marking a historic milestone in India-EU economic relations and trade engagement with key global partners.As per the FTA, tariffs on 90 per cent of European optical, medical, and surgical equipment will be remove…