EU Leaders' India Visit Critical for FTA, Defence Partnership: Expert

• Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev states EU leaders' visit to India is crucial, especially for Europe.
• The long-awaited EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), in talks for 20 years, is expected to be signed.
• Post-FTA, Indian goods and services exports to Europe are projected to increase from $130 billion to $250-270 billion.
• A significant defence partnership agreement between India and the EU is also anticipated.
• Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, emphasized the strategic partnership, dialogue, and openness between India and Europe.

Why It Matters: The EU leaders' visit to India is pivotal for signing the FTA and forging a defence partnership.