India will finalise a "mutually beneficial" free trade deal with the European Union by the end of this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Friday after meeting with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the unprecedented visit of the European Commission president and the College of Commissioners to India will conclude a long-pending free trade agreement between the European Union and India by this year's end.

India and the European Union will try to seal a trade deal during this year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday said the EU and India have agreed to push to get a long-pending free trade agreement done this year and that the two sides will strengthen their partnership in the areas of trade,

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Union have agreed to push for the conclusion of a free trade agreement this year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.

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.

Von der Leyen said during a New Delhi visit that the bloc was considering a defense and security partnership with India. The EU is aiming to achieve a free trade agreement with New Delhi ahead of possible US tariffs.