New Delhi, July 2 -- The European Union (EU) perceives India as one of its "most important strategic partners", with cooperation extending beyond trade to maritime security, technology, connectivity and digital cooperation, Ireland said on Wednesday as it began its presidency of the 27-member bloc. An ambitious India-EU free trade agreement (FTA), negotiations for which were concluded in January, is expected to be formally signed by the end of the year, during Ireland's six-month presidency of the Council of the EU. The two sides have also been engaged in deepening cooperation in critical areas such as technology, defence and security against the backdrop of a more transactional approach adopted by the Trump administration in the US. "The EU increasingly sees India as one of our most important strategic partners. Our presidency programme reflects that, highlighting both the importance of the Indo-Pacific and the priority attached to the EU's relationship with India," Irish ambassador Kevin Kelly told reporters at an event in Delhi marking the start of Ireland's presidency of European Council. India and the EU are looking to sign the FTA by December so that the deal can enter into force early next year....