European Commission President Von der Leyen said on Friday that India and the EU will strive to reach a free trade agreement this year.

"The free trade agreement between the EU and India will be the largest of its kind in the world." Von der Leyen said at an event in New Delhi, "You can trust that I will do my best to ensure that we can achieve our goals." The EU and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed to "push for completion within this year."

The two sides have been negotiating a free trade agreement since 2007, but the negotiations were suspended in 2013 due to lack of progress on issues such as reducing tariffs on European cars, wine, and dairy products. The negotiations resumed in 2022, and the 10th round of negotiations is scheduled to be held in Brussels next month.

"We can offer each other unique alternatives and tools to make ourselves stronger, more secure and more sovereign in today's world," she said. "That's something no one else can replicate."

The EU is India's largest trading partner, with total trade reaching $137.4 billion in fiscal 2023-24, according to India's Ministry of Commerce.