European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthening its ties with India, following a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, von der Leyen emphasized that the EU highly values its partnership with India. “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,” she posted on X after their meeting at Hyderabad House.
The discussions between the two leaders focused on enhancing the India-EU Strategic Partnership, with particular emphasis on key connectivity initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
“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 said.
The European Commission delegation, which arrived at Hyderabad House aboard a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus developed in collaboration with Tata Motors and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), is part of the first official EU College of Commissioners’ visit to India.
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.
“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,” said Jaishankar.
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 attendance at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023. Modi and von der Leyen have also engaged regularly on the sidelines of multilateral forums.
— IANS
