By SCM REPORTER
EUROPEAN bigwig António Costa has hailed a “historic” new era for trade and defense today, as he wrapped up a high-stakes summit with Indian PM Narendra Modi.
In a move that will create a massive market of TWO BILLION people, the EU and India have finally signed a blockbuster Free Trade Agreement.
But for Council President Costa, the trip to New Delhi wasn’t just about the boardroom—it was personal.
Speaking in India today, the EU chief revealed his pride at returning to his “roots.” Mr. Costa’s father hailed from the former Portuguese colony of Goa, and the President proudly holds an “Overseas Indian Citizen” card.
”For me, it has a special meaning,” a beamed Costa. “The connection between Europe and India is something personal to me.”
The summit kicked off with a bang yesterday as Costa and EU leaders were guests of honour at India’s spectacular Republic Day parade.
The new deal isn’t just about selling goods; it’s about muscle. For the first time ever, the EU and India have signed a “Security and Defence Partnership” to keep the peace in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
With the world order being “fundamentally reshaped,” the two giants are teaming up to:
Boost Jobs: Opening up trade for the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
Fight Crime & Terror: Strengthening “strategic trust” to protect citizens.
Push for Peace: Costa urged PM Modi to use his influence to help end the war in Ukraine through “dialogue and diplomacy.”
The pair also looked to the future, promising to work together on “clean energy” and a new economic corridor linking India to Europe via the Middle East.
”We are taking our partnership to the next level,” Costa added. “As the two largest democracies in the world, we are working hand in hand.”
