European Commission Chief Pushes For Free Trade Deal With India

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called India a trusted strategic ally and pushed for a free trade agreement between India and the European Union, saying it would be the largest such deal in the world. She admitted the negotiations will be tough, but stressed that timing and political will are crucial. Von der Leyen said both sides should aim to finalise the deal this year and promised her full commitment to make it happen. She also laid out three key focus areas to take the India-EU partnership to the next level - trade and technology, security and defense, and global partnerships.