India and Bulgaria have called for the early implementation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the two countries reviewed their bilateral ties during the latest round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi. The discussions focused on defence, trade and investment, artificial intelligence, space, science and technology, and people-to-people ties.

The consultations were co-chaired by Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Christo Polendakov, Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The two sides reviewed their political engagement and discussed ways to expand cooperation in economic and technology-driven sectors. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

The push for an early India-EU FTA highlights the importance both countries attach to stronger economic ties with the European market. The European Commission has described the agreement as the EU’s largest trade agreement. It has also highlighted the potential benefits of tariff reductions across a market covering nearly 2 billion people and close to a quarter of global GDP.

The agreement could open new opportunities for Bulgaria to expand trade and investment with India. According to EU data, Bulgarian exports to India stood at around €200 million in 2025. The bilateral investment stock reached €57 million in 2024.

The latest consultations followed External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Bulgaria in June. During the visit, India and Bulgaria discussed expanding cooperation in engineering, pharmaceuticals, digital technologies and defence. Jaishankar also highlighted the wider India-EU partnership and encouraged Bulgarian businesses to explore investment and collaboration opportunities in India.

Defence remained an important area of discussion between the two countries. India and Bulgaria have also been looking at opportunities in emerging technologies and other sectors that can support closer economic cooperation.

The talks also reflected India’s wider engagement with European countries. Both sides are seeking greater cooperation in trade and investment while exploring opportunities in technology-intensive sectors such as artificial intelligence, space and science and technology.

The two countries also discussed ways to strengthen people-to-people ties. Their officials reviewed the progress of bilateral engagement and explored additional areas where cooperation can expand.

The latest round of consultations comes as India continues to deepen its economic and strategic engagement with European partners. For Bulgaria, closer cooperation with India offers scope for greater commercial engagement, while the proposed India-EU FTA could further support trade and investment between India and the European market.