New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- Lithuania is optimistic that the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will come into effect during its upcoming presidency of the European Union from January to June 2027, Lithuanian Ambassador to India Diana Mickeviciene said on Thursday, while describing the bilateral India-Lithuania ties as "solid" and "equal".

Speaking to ANI here, Mickeviciene expressed confidence that the remaining formalities for the FTA, expected to be signed by the end of 2026, would be completed in time for it to come into force during Lithuania's EU presidency.

"It looks like we are hoping to sign it by the end of this year. It's a matter of months on both sides before it can come into effect. Lithuania will hold the presidenc...