European Union Seeks Narendra Modi's Intervention To Resume FTA Talks

BRUSSELS: Keen to expand economic ties with India, the European Union has sought a 'political push' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to restart the stalled talks for the Free Trade Agreement and expressed readiness to adopt flexibility to iron out differences on crucial issues.

Noting that finalising the long-pending pact was a major priority area for it, the 28-member powerful bloc said sticky issues relating to intellectual property rights, data security for IT services and tariff in the automobile sector can be resolved through talks.

Top European Union officials handling trade issues with India said they are reaching out to Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to resume the negotiations for the FTA at the earliest.

The last round of talks on the FTA was held in May, 2013. Head of India Division at the European External Action Service Maria Castillo Fernandez said the EU was ready to show flexibility on all major issues that have stalled the talks as the FTA will be a "win-win deal" for both the sides.

Policy Officer for India at European Commission's Directorate General of Trade Roberto Cecutti said: "We are ready to review all outstanding issues, including in the automobile sector. We are intensifying our efforts to restart the talks."
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