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Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa

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New Delhi [India], January 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen right here within the nationwide capital on Tuesday.

The leaders displayed the spirit of bonhomie as they met on the Hyderabad House.

Earlier, the EU leaders paid tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by laying a wreath at his memorial in Raj Ghat, as a part of their state go to to India.

The ceremony, held within the presence of senior Indian officers, was a part of their ongoing state go to and coincided with the sixteenth India-EU Summit in New Delhi, which might be co-hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The European leaders additionally signed the guestbook on the memorial website after the wreath-laying ceremony andpaying floral tribute to the Mahatma.

The go to comes at a time when each side have concluded their dialogue of a free commerce settlement, which is anticipated to strengthen their shared dedication to democracy and the rule of legislation.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, reiterating it because the ‘Mother of all offers’ and the way it illustrates the partnership between two main economies of the world. The deal turns into vital because it hyperlinks two main economies that command 1 / 4 of the world’s GDP.

PM Modi made the remarks whereas nearly addressing the Opening Ceremony of India Energy Week 2026.

He added that the free commerce settlement with the EU will complement present agreements with the United Kingdom and members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Extending his congratulations to these related to completely different sectors, the Prime Minister mentioned the settlement can be extremely helpful for trade stakeholders. He added that the commerce deal would have a optimistic impression on each manufacturing and providers within the nation.

Emphasising the broader world impression, PM Modi mentioned the FTA would enhance world confidence in India. ‘This Free Trade Agreement will additional strengthen world confidence in India for companies and traders the world over,’ he mentioned, including that India is actively engaged on world partnerships throughout all sectors.

On Monday, the negotiations for the ‘Mother of all offers’, because it has been known as, concluded efficiently and might be introduced right now through the India-EU summit.

Earlier right now, India and the European Union additionally inked the safety and defence partnership right here within the nationwide capital.

European Union Vice President Kaja Kallas mentioned on the event, ‘The signing of the Security and Defence Partnership is a milestone, and we are able to construct on that. There is a lot extra we are able to work collectively on within the multilateral fora, in addition to bilaterally, to additional develop defence cooperation.’

With the signing of the deal, India turns into the third Asian nation to have such a take care of the EU after Japan and South Korea.

Speaking on the upcoming deal, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen mentioned, ‘India and Europe have made a transparent selection. The selection of strategic partnership, dialogue and openness. Leveraging our complementary strengths. And constructing mutual resilience. We are exhibiting a fractured world that one other means is feasible.

‘European Council President Antonio Costa echoed that thought saying, ‘India is an important accomplice for the EU. Together, we share the capability and duty to guard the rules-based worldwide order. ‘In commerce in items, the EU is India’s second-largest buying and selling accomplice, proper after China and forward of the United States, accounting for 11.5 per cent of India’s complete items commerce. (ANI)

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Punjab and Haryana maintain joint assembly in Chandigarh to debate SYL canal concern

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Chandigarh [India], January 27 (ANI): A joint assembly of Punjab and Haryana started in Chandigarh on Tuesday to debate the long-pending Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal concern.

The assembly is being held as per the instructions of the Supreme Court, which had requested each states to try to resolve the matter via dialogue.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann attended the assembly. Haryana Cabinet Minister Shruti Choudhary and Punjab Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal are additionally current, together with a number of senior administrative officers from each states.

Last 12 months in May, the Supreme Court requested each states to work along with the Centre to discover a mutually acceptable answer to the decades-old canal dispute.

The SYL canal was deliberate to make sure truthful and environment friendly sharing of the Ravi and Beas river waters between Punjab and Haryana.

The challenge plans a 214-kilometre-long canal, with 122 kilometres to be inbuilt Punjab and the remaining 92 kilometres in Haryana.

In one other incident, the World Bank has authorized technical and monetary help (mortgage) of Rs 5,700 crore beneath the ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project’, with the target of creating the state self-reliant within the water sector.

The Haryana Chief Minister, who chaired a gathering of officers in Chandigarh relating to the Jal Sanrakshit Haryana programme, mentioned the quantity can be disbursed in a phased method over six years, from 2026 to 2032, based on a launch.

The funds can be utilised for large-scale works within the canal sector. He mentioned that out of a complete of 1,570 canals within the state, 892 canals have been restored over the previous 20 years, and the restoration of the remaining 678 canals is proposed to be accomplished within the subsequent 5 years. This contains restoration of 115 canals at a price of Rs 2,325 crore with World Bank monetary help, 284 canals at a price of Rs 2,230 crore from the state funds, and 279 canals at a price of Rs 2,880 crore via NABARD.

The Chief Minister mentioned that out of a complete of 15,562 canal minors beneath MICADA, 4,487 minors have been restored over the previous 20 years, and the remaining 1,961 minors are proposed to be restored over the following 5 years. (ANI)

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India, EU signal 13 offers together with Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, FTA, Security and Defence Partnership

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New Delhi [India], January 27 (ANI): India and the European Union on Tuesday signed 13 agreements and preparations through the state go to of European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, protecting areas akin to commerce, safety, defence, mobility, clear vitality, science, and catastrophe administration.

The agreements have been signed through the sixteenth India-EU Summit co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to the List of Outcomes issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the leaders welcomed the signing of the ‘Towards 2030: A Joint India-European Union Comprehensive Strategic Agenda,’ an overarching framework guiding the India-EU strategic partnership.

The go to additionally marked the conclusion of negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the biggest commerce deal in India’s historical past, aimed toward boosting financial and funding ties between the 2 sides.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the conclusion of the India-European Union FTA, describing it as ‘not only a commerce settlement, however a blueprint for shared prosperity.’

He famous that India-EU relations have grown exponentially in recent times, rooted in shared democratic values, financial synergy, and robust people-to-people ties, acknowledging that the India-EU commerce stands at EUR 180 billion, throughout a joint press meet with the European leaders.

In defence and safety, the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) was formalised, making a first-of-its-kind framework to deepen cooperation in maritime safety, defence business and expertise, cyber and hybrid threats, area, and counter-terrorism. Negotiations have been additionally launched for an India-EU Security of Information Agreement to facilitate the change of categorised info and improve defence collaboration.

With the signing of the deal, India turns into the third Asian nation to have such a cope with the EU after Japan and South Korea.

Financial and technological cooperation was additionally strengthened via an MoU between the Reserve Bank of India and the European Securities and Markets Authority, in addition to an administrative association on superior digital signatures and seals.

Mobility agreements have been additionally reached, which included a framework for cooperation and the announcement of a pilot EU Legal Gateway Office in India to reinforce ability mobility.

Disaster administration cooperation was bolstered via an association between India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the EU’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.

In science, expertise, and clear vitality, the 2 sides renewed the India-EU Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation for 2025-2030, constituted a Green Hydrogen Task Force, and launched exploratory talks for India to affix the Horizon Europe Programme.

Both sides additionally agreed to collectively implement 4 trilateral initiatives in areas akin to digital innovation for girls and youth, solar-based options for farmers, early warning programs, and sustainable vitality transitions in Africa, the Indo-Pacific, the Caribbean, and Small Island Developing States.

The 13 agreements and preparations underscore the increasing breadth and depth of India-EU cooperation, reflecting shared priorities in strategic, financial, and world governance arenas, and reinforcing the partnership between two of the world’s largest democracies. (ANI)

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Update: Japan has no proper to touch upon China’s Taiwan: FM spokesperson

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BEIJING, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) — A Chinese overseas ministry spokesperson stated on Tuesday that Japan has no proper in any respect to touch upon China’s Taiwan, from both a historic or a authorized perspective, and urged Japan to stop inflicting hassle on the Taiwan query.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the feedback at a daily press convention in response to current remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi relating to Taiwan.

Takaichi on Monday stated that within the occasion of a contingency within the Taiwan Strait, the United States and Japan would possibly take coordinated motion to evacuate their residents, including that Japan wouldn’t abandon its allies underneath such circumstances.

The current remarks from the Japanese facet have as soon as once more uncovered the intention of right-wing forces in Japan to fire up confrontation, create disturbances, use the pretext to advance remilitarization, and problem the post-war worldwide order, Guo stated, including that such strikes have severely undermined regional peace and stability, in addition to the political basis of China-Japan relations.

The worldwide group should stay extremely vigilant and firmly oppose such actions, the spokesperson famous.

He stated that Japan as soon as colonized Taiwan for half a century, dedicated numerous crimes, and bears severe historic accountability to the Chinese folks. “Japan has no right whatsoever to comment on China’s Taiwan, either from a historical or legal perspective,” Guo famous.

“We once again urge Japan to abide by the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan and Japan’s own commitments, reflect upon and correct its mistakes, and cease manipulation and provocations on the Taiwan question,” the spokesperson stated.

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JAPAN-TOKYO-CHINA-GIANT PANDAS-RETURN

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(260127) — TOKYO, Jan. 27, 2026 (Xinhua) — Staff members load the logistics crate carrying big panda Lei Lei onto a truck on the Ueno Zoological Gardens in Tokyo, Japan, Jan. 27, 2026. The final remaining two big pandas in Japan on Tuesday left Tokyo’s Ueno zoo for his or her return to China, marking the primary time that there can be no pandas in Japan in round half a century.

The twin pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei

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India and EU signal protection pact

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The settlement will allow firms to participate within the Security Action for Europe program

India and the European Union have signed a pact that lets the South Asian nation take part within the protection initiatives of EU member states.

The safety and protection partnership (SDP) will enable Indian companies to participate within the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, NDTVreportedon Tuesday. The EU initiative is a 178 billion euro monetary instrument set as much as supply protection funding to member states.

The settlement makes India the third Asian nation to signal a devoted protection and safety partnership with the EU, after Japan and South Korea.

“The signing of the technology and defense partnership between India and the European Union is a reflection of this trust in action, and it brings us together in an increasingly complex global environment,” Defense Minister Rajnath Singhsaid.

The safety settlement focuses on fashionable safety challenges and rising protection domains, and is particularly linked to maritime, cybersecurity and counterterrorism efforts.

Singh mentioned the deal would shift the dynamics of the procurement-based relationship India has maintained with the EU, making New Delhi a co-development companion within the expertise and protection domains.

India and the EU had engaged in intense protection maneuvers final yr, together with joint naval workouts within the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Guinea, and the Gulf of Aden.

Earlier this month, India and the United Arab Emiratessigneda letter of intent for a wider strategic protection partnership with safety cooperation at its core.

Germany has known as on India to scale back its “dependence” on Russian weapons. New Delhi, nonetheless, has maintained that its protection purchases are solely decided by its nationwide pursuits.

India counts France, Israel, and the US as its key navy suppliers moreover Russia, on which it has relied for many years for key navy {hardware}.

(RT.com)

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India-EU commerce pact to sharply decrease automotive import duties

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NEW DELHI/BRUSSELS: India is about to make its boldest transfer but to open its tightly protected auto market, agreeing to sharply lower import tariffs on automobiles from the European Union as a part of a long-awaited free commerce settlement nearing completion, in line with sources acquainted with the talks.

India plans to cut back tariffs on EU-imported automobiles to 40 p.c from ranges as excessive as 110 p.c, the sources stated, in a transfer anticipated to considerably enhance market entry for European automakers as New Delhi and Brussels shut in on a landmark commerce pact that may very well be introduced as early as January 27.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s authorities has agreed to instantly decrease duties on a restricted variety of automobiles from the 27-nation bloc priced above 15,000 euros (US$17,739), two sources briefed on the negotiations instructed Reuters. Over time, the tariff can be additional decreased to 10 p.c, they added.

The transfer would ease entry into India’s marketplace for European carmakers, together with Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.

The sources declined to be recognized as a result of the negotiations are confidential and will nonetheless change. India’s commerce ministry and the European Commission declined to remark.

Pact already dubbed ‘mom of all offers’

India and the EU are anticipated to announce this week the conclusion of years-long negotiations on the free commerce pact, after which the settlement can be finalised and ratified. The deal has already been dubbed “the mother of all deals.”

The pact may considerably develop bilateral commerce and enhance Indian exports, akin to textiles and jewelry, which have been hit by a 50 p.c U.S. tariff since late August.

India is the world’s third-largest automotive market by gross sales after the United States and China, but it surely stays one of the protected. Import duties at the moment vary from 70 p.c to 110 p.c, a coverage usually criticised by executives, together with Elon Musk.

New Delhi has proposed chopping import duties instantly to 40 p.c for about 200,000 combustion-engine automobiles yearly, one supply stated, marking its most aggressive liberalisation of the sector so far. That quota may nonetheless be adjusted, the supply added.

Battery electrical automobiles can be excluded from obligation cuts for the primary 5 years to guard investments by home producers akin to Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors, the sources stated. After that interval, EVs can be topic to related tariff reductions.

Market at the moment dominated by Suzuki and native makers

Lower tariffs would profit European producers, together with Renault and Stellantis, in addition to luxurious manufacturers Mercedes-Benz and BMW, which already manufacture domestically however have struggled to develop gross sales, partially on account of steep import taxes.

Reduced duties would permit carmakers to promote imported fashions at extra aggressive costs and take a look at client demand with a broader vary of automobiles earlier than committing to further native manufacturing, one of many sources stated.

European automakers at the moment account for lower than 4 p.c of India’s 4.4-million-unit annual automotive market, which is dominated by Suzuki Motor and Indian manufacturers Mahindra and Tata, which collectively management about two-thirds of gross sales.

With India’s automotive market anticipated to develop to round 6 million models yearly by 2030, some producers are already positioning for growth. Renault is returning to India with a revamped technique because it appears to be like past Europe for development, whereas Volkswagen Group is finalising its subsequent part of funding within the nation by means of its Skoda model.

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PM Modi holds bilateral talks with EU Presidents Costa, von der Leyen forward of India-EU Summit

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New Delhi [India], January 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a bilateral assembly with the President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, within the nationwide capital as a part of the latter’s ongoing state go to to India.

The assembly befell at Hyderabad House, with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas additionally in attendance.

PM Modi and the EU Presidents displayed bonhomie as they met at Hyderabad House.

Prior to this, the EU leaders paid tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by laying a wreath at his memorial in Raj Ghat.

The ceremony, held within the presence of senior Indian officers, was a part of their ongoing state go to and coincided with the sixteenth India-EU Summit in New Delhi, which will likely be co-chaired by PM Modi.

The European leaders additionally signed the guestbook on the memorial web site after the wreath-laying ceremony and paid floral tributes to the Mahatma.

The go to comes at a time when either side have concluded their dialogue of a free commerce settlement, which is anticipated to strengthen their shared dedication to democracy and the rule of legislation.

Earlier immediately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, reiterating that it’s the ‘Mother of all offers’ and illustrating the partnership between two main economies of the world. The deal turns into vital because it hyperlinks two main economies that command 1 / 4 of the world’s GDP.

PM Modi made the remarks whereas just about addressing the Opening Ceremony of India Energy Week 2026.

He added that the free commerce settlement with the EU will complement current agreements with the United Kingdom and members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

‘Just yesterday, an enormous settlement was signed between India and the European Union. People around the globe are discussing it because the ‘Mother of All Deals’. This settlement brings an enormous alternative for India’s 1.4 billion folks and the tens of millions in European international locations. This settlement is an excellent instance of coordination between two of the world’s largest economies,’ PM Modi stated.

‘This settlement represents practically 25 per cent of worldwide GDP and virtually one-third of worldwide commerce. This settlement empowers our shared dedication in the direction of democracy and the rule of legislation. This Free Trade Agreement with the European Union may also complement Britain and EFTA’s agreements… I congratulate the folks of the nation for this,’ he added.

On Monday, the negotiations for the ‘Mother of all offers’, because it has been referred to as, concluded efficiently and will likely be introduced immediately through the India-EU summit.

Earlier immediately, India and the European Union additionally inked the safety and defence partnership right here within the nationwide capital.

Kallas, on the event, stated, ‘The signing of the Security and Defence Partnership is a milestone, and we will construct on that. There is a lot extra we will work collectively on within the multilateral fora, in addition to bilaterally, to additional develop defence cooperation.’

With the signing of the deal, India turns into the third Asian nation to have such a cope with the EU after Japan and South Korea. (ANI)

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Rajnath Singh after assembly EU VP Kaja Kallas

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New Delhi [India], January 27 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, after signing the safety and defence partnership with European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas on Tuesday, burdened that he’s trying ahead to ‘better cooperation’ between India and the EU nations.

In a publish on X, Singh famous that the assembly centered on a spread of bilateral safety and defence points.

‘Delighted to fulfill Vice President (HRVP) of the European Union Ms. Kaja Kallas in New Delhi at present. Discussed a spread of bilateral safety and defence points together with oppurtunities for integrating provide chains for constructing trusted defence ecosystems and future-ready capabilities. Looking ahead to better cooperation between India and the EU nations. @kajakallas,’ Rajnath Singh mentioned.

https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/2016029896905261242

After India and the European Union signed the safety and defence partnership, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Tuesday urged deepening ties throughout multilateral fora for additional growing defence cooperation.

She made the remarks in the course of the delegation-level talks with Rajnath Singh on Tuesday right here within the nationwide capital.

Appreciating the Republic Day celebrations, she mentioned, ‘Thank you very a lot for welcoming us and yesterday, Republic Day was fairly an expertise. Thank you for that as nicely…It was a proud second to see that our operations had been additionally part of this parade. It exhibits how now we have been capable of work collectively.’

‘The signing of the Security and Defence Partnership is a milestone, and we are able to construct on that. There is a lot extra we are able to work collectively on within the multilateral fora, in addition to bilaterally, to additional develop defence cooperation. I actually sit up for our discussions at present and additional cooperation sooner or later,’ she added.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh together with the three service Chiefs met the EU delegation led by Kallas. This assembly marked the approaching collectively of India and the European Union to type a Security and Defence Partnership. This partnership is a major step in strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas akin to defence capabilities, counterterrorism, and cyber and maritime safety.

Speaking in the course of the assembly Defence Minister Rajnath Singh mentioned, ‘The signing of the expertise and defence partnership between India and the European Union is a mirrored image of this belief in motion and it brings us collectively in an more and more advanced international surroundings. I hope the elevated momentum of India-EU partnership in financial, defence, and people-to-people join will deliver the 2 historical civilisations a lot nearer’.

According to the European Union, the Security and Defence Partnerships type a key pillar of the EU’s efforts to advertise peace and safety each in Europe and globally, serving as a brand new framework to deepen bilateral relations with non-EU nations in a mutually helpful method.

On Monday, Kaja Kallas posted on X that the EU-India Security and Defence Partnership will probably be signed on Tuesday. She mentioned there was robust momentum for nearer cooperation with India, and the EU is seizing it.

With the signing of the deal, India turns into the third Asian nation to have such a take care of the EU after Japan and South Korea.

According to the European Union, partnerships are a cornerstone of the EU’s Strategic Compass, adopted in March 2022, which outlines the bloc’s strategy to safety and defence in a quickly evolving international surroundings.

Through the Strategic Compass, the EU dedicated to participating extra constantly and comprehensively with its bilateral companions and to growing tailor-made partnerships primarily based on shared values and pursuits.

Under the framework, safety and defence partnerships are signed by the EU’s High Representative on behalf of the European Union, following Council authorisation.

While tailor-made to every associate nation’s particular priorities, the partnerships cowl a broad spectrum of cooperation areas. These embody peacebuilding, battle prevention and disaster administration, in addition to defence initiatives and functionality growth. (ANI)

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EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on FTA with India

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New Delhi [India], January 27 (ANI): European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen mentioned that India and the European Union have concluded the much-anticipated free commerce settlement, touted because the ‘Mother of all Deals’.

In a publish on X on Tuesday she referred to as the second historic and expressed optimism on additional strengthening the strategic relationship.

She mentioned, ‘Europe and India are making historical past right this moment. We have concluded the mom of all offers.We have created a free commerce zone of two billion individuals, with either side set to learn. This is simply the start. We will develop our strategic relationship to be even stronger.’

https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/2016039782439129113?s=20

Union Commerce Minister described the settlement as ‘A formidable partnership for the world.’

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen right here within the nationwide capital. The leaders held a bilateral assembly which passed off at Hyderabad House, with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas additionally in attendance.

The leaders displayed the spirit of bonhomie as they met on the Hyderabad House.

Earlier, the EU leaders paid tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by laying a wreath at his memorial in Raj Ghat, as a part of their state go to to India.

The ceremony, held within the presence of senior Indian officers, was a part of their ongoing state go to and coincided with the sixteenth India-EU Summit in New Delhi, which will probably be co-hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The European leaders additionally signed the guestbook on the memorial web site after the wreath-laying ceremony and paid floral tributes to the Mahatma.

European Council President Antonio Costa shared visuals from his go to to Rajghat and mirrored upon the timeless values of Mahatma Gandhi. He mentioned, ‘Paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. His phrases proceed to resonate with the identical pressure right this moment as up to now: ‘Peace is not going to come out of a conflict of arms however out of justice lived and accomplished by unarmed nations within the face of odds.’

The go to comes at a time when either side have concluded their dialogue of a free commerce settlement, which is anticipated to strengthen their shared dedication to democracy and the rule of regulation.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, reiterating it because the ‘Mother of all offers’ and the way it illustrates the partnership between two main economies of the world. The deal turns into important because it hyperlinks two main economies that command 1 / 4 of the world’s GDP.

PM Modi made the remarks whereas just about addressing the Opening Ceremony of India Energy Week 2026.

He added that the free commerce settlement with the EU will complement present agreements with the United Kingdom and members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Extending his congratulations to these related to totally different sectors, the Prime Minister mentioned the settlement can be extremely useful for business stakeholders. He added that the commerce deal would have a constructive influence on each manufacturing and providers within the nation.

Emphasising the broader international influence, PM Modi mentioned the FTA would enhance international confidence in India. ‘This Free Trade Agreement will additional strengthen international confidence in India for companies and buyers the world over,’ he mentioned, including that India is actively engaged on international partnerships throughout all sectors.

With the signing of the deal, India turns into the third Asian nation to have such a take care of the EU after Japan and South Korea. (ANI)

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