Indian PM Modi expected to attend December European Council
Participation would enable signing of EU-India trade deal, which opens up market of 2 billion people.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to participate in the European Union summit scheduled for December in Brussels, according to two officials privy to ongoing talks. This visit is set to follow the completion of negotiations on a free-trade agreement between the EU and India, along with the signing of a security and defense partnership in January.
A spokesperson for the EU confirmed that discussions are underway regarding Modi's attendance, slated for December 17-18, during the European Council's concluding session of the year. However, the visit remains unofficially unconfirmed, with the possibility of alterations. The trade deal, which aims to expand markets for 2 billion people and contribute to over a fifth of the global GDP, has not yet received official approval, pending a final step for ratification.
Modi's visit could provide a crucial platform to finalize the deal, though EU member states have yet to express their endorsement. As of now, the Indian Embassy in Brussels has not provided any comment regarding the matter.
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