Bangladesh, Sept. 17 -- The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a post-Soviet bloc consisting of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, has formally stepped up efforts to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) with India. The announcement came after Andrey Slepnev, the blocs trade minister, visited New Delhi on September 15–16 for talks with Indian officials. The move underscores growing economic interdependence between India and Eurasian economies at a time when global trade realignments are accelerating in the wake of geopolitical tensions and sanctions regimes.

Speaking in New Delhi, Slepnev emphasized the mutual interest shared by both sides in deepening commercial ties. “First of all, we certainly recognize the...