Jaishankar, Romanian FM Discuss FTA Roadmap in Cyprus Talks

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held productive bilateral discussions with Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu in Nicosia, Cyprus, focusing on advancing the EU-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations and expanding economic cooperation between the two nations. Speaking after the meeting, Minister Toiu emphasized that both countries are actively preparing their economic frameworks to fully leverage opportunities arising from the forthcoming trade pact. Key areas identified for collaboration include defense industries, clean energy projects, metallurgical sectors, vehicle manufacturing, agricultural inputs, and maritime infrastructure. The Romanian diplomat revealed that India-Romania trade has surged to $1.2 billion this year, representing over 20 percent year-on-year growth. She attributed this expansion to the reactivation of the Joint Economic Commission, which had remained dormant for eight years, and noted that investment flows are already accelerating. The two sides also exchanged views on regional developments in the Middle East, particularly concerning energy security and the strategic India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Both ministers expressed commitment to deepening their extended partnership and are looking forward to a high-level visit to Romania planned for later this year. The EU-India FTA, which has been under negotiation for several years, is expected to be finalized and implemented by 2026, potentially reshaping economic relations between India and the 27-member European bloc.