India, Jan. 13 -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday indicated that the European Union and India could conclude a long-awaited free trade agreement by the end of January, a development that could significantly recalibrate global trade relationships at a time of rising protectionism and stalled negotiations between New Delhi and Washington.

Speaking to reporters in Ahmedabad after talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Merz said top EU leaders were prepared to travel to India to formalise the agreement if negotiations are completed within the proposed timeline. He described India's commitment to finalising the deal as the most significant outcome of his visit.

"The big win of this visit is the clear commitment by India to get t...