Modi to Attend December EU Summit to Sign Historic Trade Deal

The visit, which officials say is in the works but not yet confirmed, would mark the first time an Indian prime minister attends a European Council meeting. It follows the conclusion of EU-India free-trade negotiations and the signing of a security and defense partnership in January.

The trade deal, formally known as the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, has been under negotiation for years. Its signing would open new markets for Indian goods and services in the 27-nation bloc, while giving European companies greater access to India's fast-growing economy.

The summit is scheduled for December 17-18 in Brussels. The Indian government has not issued an official statement about Modi's participation, but diplomatic sources say preparations are underway.

The agreement is seen as a cornerstone of deepening ties between India and the European Union, which have expanded cooperation in trade, security, and climate change in recent years.