New Delhi: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthening ties with India, following a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, von der Leyen underscored the significance of India-EU relations. She took to social media platform X to highlight the meeting’s importance, stating:
“Dear Narendra Modi, thank you so much for hosting us in New Delhi. The EU Commission’s visit symbolizes how much we value our partnership with India and how much I value our personal friendship.”
The discussions between PM Modi and von der Leyen centered on enhancing the India-EU Strategic Partnership, with a particular focus on connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
“As we enter the third decade of the EU-India strategic partnership, one thing is clear—the best is yet to come. Together, we can shape the future and build one of the defining partnerships of this century,” von der Leyen emphasized.
High-Level Delegation & Clean Energy Push
The European Commission delegation arrived at Hyderabad House aboard a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus, developed in collaboration with Tata Motors and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). This reflects the EU’s commitment to sustainable mobility and green energy initiatives.
This visit marks the first official visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India, signaling deepening diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Key Discussions at India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC)
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in the 2nd India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting.
The discussions reviewed progress in digital collaboration, clean energy initiatives, trade, investment, and supply chain resilience.
Jaishankar highlighted the broad scope of cooperation, stating:
“We exchanged views on new opportunities in semiconductors, AI, 6G, electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and a mutually beneficial trade regime. Confident that today’s discussions will translate into new economic, trade, and tech linkages.”
Von der Leyen’s Third Visit to India
Von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day visit at the invitation of PM Modi. This marks her third visit to India, following her bilateral visit in April 2022 and participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023.
PM Modi and von der Leyen have engaged regularly on the sidelines of global summits, strengthening India-EU diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Looking Ahead: A Defining Partnership
With both India and the EU committed to deepening cooperation in trade, technology, clean energy, and global connectivity, this visit marks a significant step toward establishing one of the defining strategic alliances of the 21st century.
