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.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday in an attempt to revive and expand economic ties. The return of Donald Trump to the White House, tensions with China and economic sanctions on Russia have prompted Brussels to push for deeper trading ties with other economies.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in India on Thursday, aiming to strengthen commercial and diplomatic ties with the world's most populous country. The EU and India are seeking to expedite a long-delayed free trade agreement,