EU Ambassador Exclusive: India-EU FTA Signing Targeted by Year-End; Says 'Russia Is Losing the War'

In an exclusive interview, the European Union Ambassador outlines the roadmap for the long-awaited India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), saying both sides are aiming to sign the deal by the end of 2026, with implementation expected in early 2027. Calling it "FTA 2.0," the envoy says the agreement is the result of a strategic partnership—not a reaction to global tariff tensions. The ambassador also reaffirms the EU's commitment to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), reveals plans for the Blue Raman undersea cable and a green shipping corridor, and highlights Europe's growing investment in India. On global geopolitics, the envoy says "Russia is losing the war," welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Kyiv visit, and discusses deeper India-EU cooperation on security, counter-terrorism and the Indo-Pacific.