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Modi expected at EU summit as trade deal awaits signature
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the European Council in Brussels this December, according to a report by Politico. The visit would come as a proposed free trade agreement…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the European Council in Brussels this December, according to a report by Politico. The visit would come as a proposed free trade agreement between India and the European Union, covering markets of 2 billion people and over a fifth of global GDP, remains unsigned.
The deal requires the backing of EU member states before it can be ratified. Modi's presence at the summit could provide a political push to finalise the agreement. The Indian Embassy in Brussels has not commented on the report.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The visit, if confirmed, would mark a rare appearance by an Indian PM at a European Council meeting, underscoring the strategic weight both sides place on the trade pact. The deal has been under negotiation for years, with sticking points including data protection, intellectual property, and market access for Indian professionals. The next step is formal approval by the EU Council, which requires unanimity among member states. A signature at the summit would trigger the ratification process in national parliaments, a route that could take months or longer. The December meeting is the last scheduled Council session before the EU enters its 2029 electoral cycle, making it a firm deadline for political momentum.
Source: politico.eu
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
