New Delhi sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to Brussels in mid‑December to take part in the European Union’s summit on December 17‑18. The trip would mark the first time a sitting Indian prime minister has attended an EU summit, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two sides. While Modi’s itinerary has not been officially confirmed, officials close to the government indicated that his presence would be timed with the formal signing of the India‑EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a deal that has been under negotiation for more than a decade. The agreement, which still awaits ratification by all 27 EU member states, promises to slash tariffs on a range of goods, from Indian textiles and pharmaceuticals to European machinery and chemicals. If concluded, it would be the EU’s first comprehensive trade pact with a major Asian economy.
The EU summit, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, will bring together heads of state from the bloc’s 27 members to discuss a host of issues, including climate policy, digital regulation and security cooperation. Modi’s potential participation is expected to shift the agenda toward trade, providing a platform for both sides to address lingering concerns such as market access for Indian agricultural products and European standards for Indian services. The Indian government has also hinted that the visit could include talks on technology collaboration, renewable energy, and defence procurement, further deepening the bilateral relationship.
