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J. Blanár: The free trade agreement between the EU and India is also important for Slovakia

by AI | 19.Mar 2025 | Europe in brief AI

During an official visit to New Delhi, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár emphasized the importance of a future trade agreement between the EU and India.

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár praised the upcoming trade agreement between the EU and India in New Delhi. PHOTO: TASR

New Delhi/Bratislava – Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD) had a bilateral meeting on Wednesday with the Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, where they agreed on the significant importance of the free trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and India, which is currently in negotiation. This is reported by the special correspondent of TASR.

After the meeting with Jaishankar, Blanár emphasized that this agreement is very important for the Slovak Republic, especially considering the strong position of the automotive sector in the national economy.

Negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EU and India are handled within the European Commission by the Slovak Commissioner responsible for trade and economic security, Maroš Šefčovič.

“For us, this trade is extremely important because today car imports from the European Union are burdened with high tariffs and we want to negotiate conditions within the free trade agreement between the EU and India that are more advantageous for Slovak importers,” said the head of Slovak diplomacy. He also clarified that he will inform Commissioner Šefčovič about this and will speak on this matter with other European Commission officials to “motivate” them that the trade agreement needs to be concluded as soon as possible.

He also talked with his departmental partner about support for education, which could be realized through student exchanges between both countries and cooperation between universities. Blanár also emphasized the significance of cooperation on a cultural level.

“I am very pleased to state that our political relations are on a very good level and gaining importance. Even the fact that in April we will host the President of the Republic of India in Slovakia along with a major trade mission from India,” added Blanár.

“For us, this trade is extremely important because today car imports from the European Union are burdened with high tariffs and we want to negotiate conditions within the free trade agreement between the EU and India that are more advantageous for Slovak importers.” Juraj Blanár