The European Council Monday approved conclusions on a ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’ announced earlier by the European Commission, welcoming the ‘strong impetus’ it provides to relations between the European Union and India.

The Belgium-based council, responsible for the general political direction and priorities of the 27-member economic bloc, highlighted efforts on both sides to conclude an India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of the year.

Its conclusions this week endorse the Joint Communication on the new agenda and its objective of deepening EU-India ties, including prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, and connectivity and global issues.

“The council welcomes in particular efforts to conclude a balanced, ambitious, mutually bene

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