India's Contribution Praised in Ukraine Peace Discussions, EU Aims to Finalize Free Trade Agreement Negotiations in 2023

India's efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have been recognised by the European Union, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the EU leaders expressing their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a significant development, Putin thanked Modi for his role in the Ukraine crisis, a gesture that some analysts interpret as a message to US President Trump in the context of the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire efforts. The diplomatic initiative to end the conflict, which assigned a central role to free trade agreement negotiations with India, was supported by Trump.

During a phone call, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Prime Minister Modi exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. They discussed efforts for bringing an early end to the conflict in Ukraine, and the leaders agreed that India's Strategic Partnership has a key role to play in fostering stability and promoting a rules-based order.

The EU leaders also expressed hope to conclude the Free Trade Agreement negotiations with India by the end of this year. In this regard, Modi mentioned the implementation of the IMEEC corridor as part of the FTA discussions. The European Union remains fully committed to achieving this goal.

Leyen shared a photo of the EU leaders in a huddle, talking to Modi on the phone call. She warmly welcomed India's continued engagement with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.

PM Modi and the EU leaders also reaffirmed their shared commitment for an early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The European Union plans to agree on a joint strategic agenda at the next EU-India summit, as early as possible in 2026.

In a positive gesture, EU Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Prime Minister Modi and had a good conversation. They acknowledged India's important role in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace.

The Russia-Ukraine war carries global security consequences and undermines economic stability. Progress is needed now to achieve the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement negotiations by the end of the year. The European Union has hailed India's role in the Ukraine ceasefire talks, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two entities.