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Summary:

India and the EU are nearing a free trade agreement (FTA) after intense negotiations in Brussels. Both sides have narrowed their differences, aiming for a swift and mutually beneficial deal. India is emphasizing growth, sustainability, and job creation. Meanwhile, at the ASEAN Summit, the Malaysian Prime Minister revealed discussing Gaza and global peace with former U.S. President Trump and emphasized ASEAN’s neutrality and ability to engage with all major powers, highlighting a trade pact with China despite U.S. influence.

News Article:

India and EU Edge Closer to Landmark Trade Deal; ASEAN Navigates Great Power Dynamics

Brussels/Kuala Lumpur – India and the European Union are making significant progress towards a long-awaited free trade agreement, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal describing recent discussions in Brussels as “intense but very productive.” After years of stalled negotiations, both sides have reportedly narrowed their key differences and are now focused on hammering out a swift, balanced, and mutually beneficial deal.

“The momentum is building, driven by a shared economic vision from Prime Minister Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen,” said an official close to the negotiations. India is keen to emphasize its focus on future-ready growth, sustainability, and job creation as part of the agreement.

In related news, the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur saw Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reveal details of a past conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Anwar, they discussed the situation in Gaza, Hamas, and global peace initiatives. Anwar defended ASEAN’s commitment to engaging with all major global powers, highlighting the bloc’s recent upgraded trade agreement with China, despite the U.S.’s significant influence in the region.

“Malaysia is committed to neutrality,” stressed Anwar, emphasizing that regional peace depends on engagement with all parties, rather than alignment with any single power. The country aims to navigate its relationships with both Washington and Beijing with a balanced approach.

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