EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen’s Visit to India to Strengthen Ties

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, visits India with the EU College of Commissioners to enhance strategic ties with Prime Minister Modi. The visit includes crucial discussions on bilateral relations and aims to elevate the India-EU partnership into its third decade. This marks the first combined visit of the EU Commission to India, underlining their commitment to collaboration.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and the full European Union College of Commissioners, embarked on a two-day visit to India, marking a significant moment in the India-EU relationship. Invited by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Ms. von der Leyen expressed her intention to elevate their strategic partnership. The visit is notable as it represents the College of Commissioners’ first trip to India, signifying the depths of their multifaceted partnership.

Upon her arrival in New Delhi, Ursula von der Leyen stated, “In an era of conflicts and intense competition, you need trusted friends. For Europe, India is such a friend and a strategic ally.” This marks her third visit to India, following previous engagements in 2022 and 2023. The interactions with Prime Minister Modi and regular meetings on the sidelines of multilateral forums emphasize the ongoing commitment to strengthening ties.

The visit will include crucial discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral relations, with delegation-level talks scheduled for Friday. Key topics will include the upcoming second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, alongside bilateral talks between European Commissioners and Indian officials. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that they aim to continue expanding the strategic partnership established in 2004.

This visit to India has been positioned as a catalyst for future collaborations based on mutual interests, laying the groundwork for deeper ties in various sectors as they enter their third decade of partnership. Furthermore, Ms. von der Leyen is expected to meet with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, which will further reinforce strategic dialogue between the two entities.

The visit of President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU College of Commissioners to India represents a pivotal step in enhancing the strategic partnership between India and the European Union. This engagement seeks to further deepen collaboration across various sectors and reflects the shared commitment to act as trusted partners in a changing global landscape.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com