The European Union (EU) College of Commissioners, along with Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, S. Jaishankar, Jitin Prasada, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, attended a dinner reception hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Friday.
During the reception, the leaders were seen engaged in conversations. The event was organized as part of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s two-day visit to India from February 27-28.
Earlier on Friday, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held a candid and insightful discussion with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in Delhi. The meeting focused on the progress of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
In a social media post, Goyal said, “Had a candid and insightful discussion with EU Trade Commissioner @MarosSefcovic over breakfast today on the India-EU FTA and the progress of the Trade and Technology Council. Exciting times are ahead as we work towards elevating our trade & investment ties to the next level as trusted partners.”
Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the partnership between India and the European Union, calling it “organic and natural.” He described the visit of the European Commission President and the College of Commissioners to India as “unprecedented” and welcomed them warmly.
In his joint press statement following his meeting with Ursula von der Leyen at Hyderabad House, PM Modi said, “This visit of the European Commission President and the College of Commissioners to India is unprecedented. This is not only the first visit of the European Commission to India, but it is also the first such comprehensive engagement of the Commission in any one country. This is one of the early visits of the (European) Commission’s new tenure. I welcome them all to India.”
“Two decades of strategic partnership between India and the EU are natural and organic, built on trust, democratic values, and a shared commitment to progress and prosperity. In this spirit, 20 ministerial-level talks were held over the past two days. We have had sincere and meaningful discussions on various regional and global issues. Several key decisions have been taken to elevate and accelerate our partnership. A blueprint for cooperation on trade, technology, investment, innovation, green growth, security, skilling, and mobility has been prepared. We have tasked our teams with working on a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement and aim to finalize it by the end of this year,” he added.
Earlier on Thursday, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman met Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Savings and Investments Union, and Piotr Serafin, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud, and Public Administration, in New Delhi.
The meeting focused on strengthening economic ties, enhancing mutual cooperation, and exploring new avenues for collaboration in key sectors such as financial technology (FinTech), trade, and investment between India and the EU.
In a social media post, the Ministry of Finance stated, “Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman met H.E. Ms. Maria Luís Albuquerque, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Savings and Investments Union.”
Both sides acknowledged the strong partnership between India and the EU and emphasized the significance of the visit by the EU College of Commissioners.
(ANI)
