India and EU agree to conclude free trade deal by the end of this year

Ursula von der Leyen met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi (AP)

India and the European Union have agreed to finalise a long-pending free trade agreement this year and boost cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity and defence, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Commission chief said.

After meeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi, the Indian leader said that the two sides have directed their teams to conclude the bilateral free trade deal by the end of this year.