<h1>India-EU Target Year-End for Comprehensive FTA to Boost Trade, Tech, and Security Ties After 17-Year Negotiation.</h1> India and the European Union have set a year-end deadline to finalize a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA), marking a significant step in their economic relations. This decision follows a 17-year negotiation process, which was relaunched in 2022 after a hiatus. The agreement aims to enhance trade, technology, investment, and security cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Both parties are also working on an investment protection pact and geographical indications. The EU seeks to expand defense collaboration with India, addressing shared concerns over regional security and stability, while also focusing on sustainable development and connectivity initiatives.