India, one of the world’s most protected markets, has been reluctant to lower tariffs, while the EU has been hesitant to ease visa restrictions for Indian professionals. “We have prepared a blueprint for collaboration in the areas of trade,

India and the European Union have agreed to finalize a long-pending free trade agreement this year and boost cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity and defense.

Its their first commitment to a deadline on talks that have been going for years, as they look to soften the effect of tariff increases from the US.