India and the European Union have agreed to finalize a long-pending free trade agreement this year and boost cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity and defense, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Commission chief said Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the unprecedented visit of the European Commission president and the College of Commissioners to India will conclude a long-pending free trade agreement between the European Union and India by this year's end.

Von der Leyen, accompanied by the EU College of Commissioners or senior political leaders of the bloc, began a high-profile two-day visit to India on Thursday.