India and the European Union have officially signed the trade agreement, popularly known as the 'Mother of All Deals'. With this pact, the trade relationship spanning two billion people has reached new heights. This Free Trade Agreement (FTA) conveys a significant message to another global power. At a time when U.S. President Donald Trump is treating tariffs and trade as weapons, India has made its largest FTA with the EU, sending a clear message: trade partnerships should be founded on a rule-based international order, not threats or punitive tariffs.
In his speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear that India and Europe's collaboration is a partnership for global welfare.
PM Modi underscored that India advocates for a rule-based international system. It is notable that President Trump has repeatedly undermined this order. PM Modi stated,
"Defense and security cooperation is the foundation of any strategic partnership, and today we are formalizing this with a security and defense partnership. This will deepen our collaboration with the EU on counter-terrorism, maritime security, and cyber security. This underscores our shared commitment to a rule-based international order."
Reflecting on the current global situation, PM Modi drew the attention of nations that consider themselves world leaders. He remarked,
"Today, the global order is in great tumult, and the partnership between India and the EU will fortify stability in the international system. We discussed several global issues including Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific."
A Message to Trump: Respected Multilateralism and International Norms
Sending a message to Trump and other world leaders, PM Modi emphasized that respecting multilateralism and international norms is our shared priority. Advocating for more democratic global institutions, he stressed the necessity of reforms to resolve today's challenges.
Occasional Historical Shifts in Nations' Relations
PM Modi noted that there are times in international relations when history beckons a change in direction, marking the beginning of a new era. Today is such a moment.
European Union President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that when India succeeds, the world becomes more prosperous, secure, and safe. She remarked that the second and fourth largest economies are partnering, making it evident that cooperation and synergy are the only paths forward.
Ursula: A Tale of Two Giants
Having long deliberated over the trade deal with India, Ursula indirectly sent a message to Trump, asserting that they've achieved what they set out to do by signing the 'Mother of All Deals'. It's a tale of two giants who have diminished strategic dependencies, marking a historic shift. Europe and India will always choose progress.
In Unsteady Times...
European Council President Costa emphasized that in times of global turmoil, EU and India are sending a strong message. They should work together for mutual prosperity. India is the world's largest democracy and the fastest-growing economy. The defense and security framework agreement is a crucial first step towards shared security.
Shared Commitment to the Rule of Law in India-EU Joint Statement
The joint statement from India and the European Union post-deal highlighted multilateralism and the rule of law. It stated, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with President Antonio Costa and President Ursula von der Leyen, co-chaired the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026, in New Delhi. They emphasized their commitment to elevate the India-EU strategic partnership on shared values and principles centered around democracy, human rights, multilateralism, the rule of law, and a rule-based international order under the UN. They pledged to address security threats, promote inclusive and sustainable development and economic resilience, strengthen security, further climate and biodiversity actions, and hasten progress on sustainable development goals."
