New Delhi witnessed a significant diplomatic gathering on Thursday as Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, participated in the third phase launch of the India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership (CECP). The meeting also featured Ditte Juul Jorgensen, Director General for Energy at the European Commission, highlighting deepening collaboration on sustainable initiatives.
This development coincides with widespread congratulations pouring in from European nations over the recently finalized India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The pact marks a milestone in bilateral economic ties, encompassing trade in goods, services, trade remedies, rules of origin, customs facilitation, alongside emerging areas like SMEs and digital trade.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on X that George’s address emphasized how CECP advances the prosperity and sustainability pillars of the India-EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda adopted at the historic summit. ‘This initiative will propel India-EU cooperation forward,’ he noted.
The Indian Embassy in Bhutan hailed the FTA as a ‘major strategic success’ in India’s global trade portfolio. It positions India and the 27-member EU bloc as reliable partners committed to open markets, predictability, and inclusive growth. The agreement opens new chapters in economic engagement and strategic synergy.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb extended warm felicitations in Hindi on X, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stating the deal would fortify economic and political relations with India.
Adding an international perspective, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer commented a day after the deal, describing it as historic amid shifting global trade dynamics under President Trump’s focus on domestic production and tariffs. ‘EU nations, facing overproduction, are seeking alternative outlets like India,’ Greer explained, underscoring the strategic pivot as Europe diversifies export destinations beyond the US.
As celebrations continue, the FTA and CECP signal a robust future for India-EU relations, fostering mutual growth in clean energy, climate action, and trade.