Elevating Strategic Ties: EU President Calls India a Trusted Ally

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited New Delhi, calling India a “trusted friend” and plans to deepen strategic ties with Prime Minister Modi. Her discussions focus on developing a new partnership roadmap to enhance cooperation in diverse sectors such as trade, technology, and defense. This visit is significant as it marks the first joint trip of the EU College of Commissioners outside Europe since their recent appointment.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, on her official visit to New Delhi, hailed India as a “trusted friend” and “strategic ally” of the European Union. With a delegation consisting of 22 out of the 27 EU Commissioners, her discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi aim to strengthen the existing strategic partnership amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape. They plan to unveil a new “strategic partnership roadmap” that addresses ongoing global uncertainties.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar soon welcomed von der Leyen, noting the significance of this visit in revitalizing India-EU relations. He highlighted the notable participation of Indian Ministers and EU Commissioners in various engagements during her visit. This marks the first joint excursion of the EU College of Commissioners outside Europe since they took office in December 2024.

During her visit, von der Leyen paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and emphasized the importance of fostering strong ties between Europe and India. The agenda includes discussions on several critical sectors, such as trade and investments, resilient supply chains, advanced technologies including AI, green energy initiatives, and defense cooperation.

This is von der Leyen’s third visit to India, following previous trips in 2022 and 2023, reflecting the ongoing commitment to enhancing bilateral engagements. The meetings will focus on accelerating negotiations for an ambitious India-EU free trade agreement, which seeks to mitigate risks associated with reliance on China.

EU officials aim to deepen economic relations by urging India to reduce tariffs on various goods, while also expanding defense ties in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit will set the groundwork for a broader strategic agenda, expected to be highlighted at the upcoming India-EU summit later this year in India.

The visit of President von der Leyen and the EU College of Commissioners to India represents a pivotal moment in enhancing bilateral relations. By focusing on trade agreements, defense cooperation, and addressing shared challenges, both parties aim to solidify their partnership in an era marked by global complexities. The outcomes of this trip will significantly influence future engagements between India and the EU.

Original Source: indianexpress.com