PM Modi is expected to join EU leaders at the European Council's meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning to attend a European Union summit in Brussels in December, according to a report by Politico. The visit would come after India and the EU concluded negotiations on a free-trade agreement and signed a security and defence partnership in January. One official told Politico that preparations were under way for PM Modi to join EU leaders at the European Council's final scheduled meeting of the year, on 17 and 18 December. “We are working on it,” the official said when asked to confirm the plans. However, the visit has not been officially confirmed. The proposed trip could also provide an opportunity for India and the EU to sign their long-awaited trade agreement. The deal, which would open markets covering about 2 billion people and economies accounting for more than a fifth of global GDP, has not yet been signed. It must still receive the backing of EU member states before it can move towards full ratification. The EU and India concluded negotiations on the agreement earlier this year, but the final signing remains pending. PM Modi's attendance at the December summit could therefore provide an opportunity to formally conclude the process, although EU countries have yet to give their approval. PM Modi is visiting Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan from August 29 to September 1, during which he is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks and attend the 26th SCO Summit. At the SCO Summit to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from August 31 to September 1, PM Modi will highlight India's priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity and will also hold bilateral meetings with SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit. The Prime Minister will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan in a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Central Asia. Modi will be in Uzbekistan on August 29-30 on a bilateral visit, and in Kyrgyzstan for the 26th SCO Summit from August 31 to September 1, the Prime Minister's office said in a statement. From Tashkent, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov to participate in the 26th SCO Summit. The summit marks the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, of which India has been a full member since 2017. Rounak is a journalist with over 7 years of experience covering geopolitical and international affairs. He has a keen interest in research and explain... View More