Mitsotakis backs early India-EU free trade agreement in call with PM Modi

Praising the early conclusion of the India-EU free trade agreement, Greek Prime Minister (PM) Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday extended support to his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. The Greek PM also called for the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU free trade agreement, reported news agency PTI.

The issue was raised during a phone conversation between the two prime ministers. PM Modi and Mitsotakis also took stock of bilateral ties between India and Greece, especially in areas of trade, investment and defence.

"Both leaders welcomed developments in bilateral relations across sectors such as trade, investment, technology, shipping, defence, security, connectivity and people-to-people ties, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the India-Greece strategic partnership," a statement from the Indian side read, adding that Mitsotakis conveyed Greece`s wishes for the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026.

The 13th round of negotiations between India and the European Union (EU) for the free trade agreement was held last week in New Delhi, reported PTI.

The EU is India`s biggest trade partner, with bilateral trade in goods recording USD 135 billion in financial year 2023-24.

Following the India-EU trade agreement, the two sides have already concluded negotiations on 11 chapters that included customs and trade facilitation, dispute settlement, digital trade, sustainable food systems, small and medium-sized enterprises, competition and subsidies and capital movements, PTI reported.

Furthermore, the Greek PM also shared warm wishes on the occasion of PM Modi`s birthday, which was on September 17.

The Ministry of External Affairs further stated, “Responding to the Greek Prime Minister’s wishes, PM Modi expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the gesture."

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