New Delhi, Jan 24: Reuben Gauci, Malta’s High Commissioner to India, expressed optimism about the imminent EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it “historical” and the “mother of all deals.”
He noted that the upcoming visit of European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council chief Antonio Costa for Republic Day and the EU-India Summit, underscores New Delhi’s position as a “top priority” for the EU.
Gauci highlighted the significance of the visit in advancing negotiations that began over a year ago, with a focus on enhancing Malta’s trade relationship with India, which currently sees a significant trade imbalance favoring imports from India.
He emphasized that the FTA could alleviate this deficit while facilitating increased Maltese investment in India. Gauci remarked on the complexities of negotiations that span various economic sectors, offering different benefits to EU member states.
He underscored the necessity of concluding the FTA, especially in light of increasing US tariffs, as it would bring predictability to trade conditions. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, he remarked that the FTA would be a significant achievement for India, reinforcing its global standing.
