External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi on Thursday, commending her vision for revitalizing India’s engagement with Europe.
Von der Leyen is on a two-day bilateral visit to India, accompanied by members of the European College of Commissioners. Jaishankar, in a post on X, highlighted the significance of their discussions, stating, “Pleased to call on @EU_Commission President @vonderleyen today in Delhi. Appreciate her thoughts on reenergizing India’s engagement with Europe. The wide-ranging participation of Indian Ministers and EU College of Commissioners during this visit stands testimony to the importance we place on deeper India-EU ties.”
The European Commission President is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, with talks expected to focus on elevating the strategic partnership between India and the European Union. Upon her arrival in New Delhi, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of the partnership, writing on X, “Touchdown in Delhi with my team of Commissioners. In an era of conflicts and intense competition, you need trusted friends. For Europe, India is such a friend and a strategic ally. I’ll discuss with @narendramodi how to take our strategic partnership to the next level.”
Von der Leyen was received with a warm welcome by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel. This marks her third visit to India, following an official bilateral visit in April 2022 and her participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023. She has also engaged with PM Modi on multiple occasions at global forums.
The visit comes as the EU strengthens its Indo-Pacific strategy, underscoring its intent to deepen collaboration with India. Key discussions are expected to include formalizing agreements on naval coordination in the region, as well as expanding cooperation in trade, investments, supply chain resilience, digital technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen, clean energy, sustainable urbanization, water management, defense, and space.
(Inputs from ANI)
