Global Volatility Drives EU-India Free Trade Talks: Estonian PM
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that global instability and supply chain diversification needs are pushing the European Union closer to a free trade pact with India. She cited the pandemic and the Ukraine war as key drivers for this renewed momentum.
Key Takeaways
- Estonian PM Kaja Kallas says global volatility is pushing the EU and India closer to a trade deal.
- A “new momentum” exists for talks stalled since 2007, driven by pandemic and war lessons.
- Cooperation is sought on digital issues like cybersecurity and AI, alongside trade.
- Kallas is meeting PM Narendra Modi during her two-day visit to India.
Natural Partners in a Volatile World
During her visit, Kallas described the EU and India as “natural partners,” where a trade agreement would benefit both sides. “The world is becoming more volatile and we need to diversify our supply chains,” she told India Today. “India is a huge market with a growing economy and we see great potential for cooperation.”
New Momentum for Stalled Negotiations
While negotiations for a began in 2007, they stalled over tariffs, intellectual property, and data protection. Kallas argued that recent global crises have changed the calculus. “The pandemic and the war have shown us that we need to be more resilient. We need to have more trusted partners and India is one of them,” she said.
Digital Cooperation on the Agenda
Beyond trade, Kallas highlighted digital collaboration as a priority. The EU is keen to work with India on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. “India is a leader in the digital sphere and we have a lot to learn from each other,” she noted.
The Estonian leader’s meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials are expected to advance these strategic discussions.
