<h1>India and EU Target Year-End Deadline for Free Trade Agreement and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Amid Global Tensions</h1> India and the European Union (EU) have set a year-end deadline to finalize a significant free trade agreement (FTA) and enhance defense cooperation, amid global geopolitical tensions. Indian Prime Minister and the European Commission President discussed expanding defense ties, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, and agreed to work on a security and defense pact. The FTA negotiations, ongoing for 17 years, resumed in 2022. Both parties aim to conclude an Investment Protection agreement and a Geographical Indications pact. The leaders emphasized cooperation in trade, technology, and security, and committed to promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.