New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday that a huge trade pact with the European Union, totalling about 25 per cent of global GDP, would bring sweeping benefits.

"People in the world are discussing this as a mother of all deals," Modi said ahead of a meeting with EU chiefs, adding that for India it would boost sectors including textiles, gems and jewellery, and leather goods.

"This deal will bring many opportunities for India's 1.4 billion and many millions of people of the EU," he said.

Also read: ‘Financing war against themselves’: Scott Bessent slams Europe over India-EU trade deal

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the signing of the technology and defence partnership between India and the European Union marks a significant step in bringing the two sides closer amid a complex global environment.

Addressing the EU delegation led by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, at Raksha Mantralaya, South Block, Singh welcomed the EU leaders' visit, highlighting its special significance as it coincides with India's 75th Republic Day.

"Thank you for your visit to India, your visit is very special as it falls on the occasion of our 75th Republic Day. The occasion marks a milestone in the celebration of India's constitutional journey and the reaffirmation of our commitment to global peace and security," Singh said.

He added that the shared values of democracy, pluralism, federalism, and the rule of law form the foundation of India's growing partnership with the European Union.

Also read: Outlook broken on Windows 11? Microsoft releases urgent patch to fix cloud file bug

"Together we aim to translate these shared values into practical cooperation for global security, sustainable growth, and inclusive prosperity," Singh said.

The Defence Minister emphasised that the partnership reflects the trust between India and the EU and will strengthen cooperation in economic, defence, and people-to-people connect, bringing the two ancient civilisations closer in a rapidly changing world.

"The signing of the technology and defence partnership between India and the European Union is a reflection of this trust in action, and it brings us together in an increasingly complex global environment. I hope the increased momentum of the India-EU partnership in economic, defence, and people-to-people connect will bring the two ancient civilisations much closer," he added.

The technology and defence partnership was signed ahead of the 16th India-EU Summit, co-chaired by President of the European Council Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who are on a state visit to India.

India now joins Japan and South Korea as the third Asian country to have such a security and defence partnership with the EU, aimed at enhancing collaboration in maritime security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and other emerging defence domains. The new pact does not limit India's engagement with the EU to procurement alone, with the EU now seeing India as a potential supplier in certain areas and as a partner.