European Council Approves New Strategic Agenda to Deepen Ties with India

The European Council has approved a 'New Strategic EU-India Agenda' aimed at significantly strengthening ties between the two powers. The conclusions endorsed efforts to finalize a 'balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial' Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year. The agenda focuses on deepening cooperation in security, defence, technology, and global issues. This move signals a strong political impetus from the 27-member bloc to elevate its partnership with India amid a complex geopolitical landscape.