India Seeks Germany's Support to Expedite EU Free Trade Talks

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited India to discuss strengthening bilateral trade ties and accelerating stalled free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and the European Union. Wadephul expressed optimism about concluding the long-delayed EU-India trade deal by autumn 2025, emphasizing the importance of reducing trade barriers amid global protectionist trends. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar urged Germany to leverage its influential position within the EU to help expedite the FTA talks, highlighting India's interests in safeguarding farmers and maintaining legal sovereignty while addressing EU demands on climate and labor standards. Both ministers acknowledged the strong history of Indo-German cooperation and the strategic importance of deepening economic, technological, and cultural ties. The discussions underscored Germany's key role in shaping the EU's trade policy and supporting India's broader economic engagement with Europe amid global trade challenges, including US tariffs on Indian goods. This dialogue represents a pivotal moment in India-EU relations, aiming to unlock a trade pact that could significantly boost bilateral and regional commerce.