EU President von der Leyen Seeks to Strengthen India-EU Strategic Ties
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in New Delhi to enhance strategic ties with India, meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a new partnership roadmap. The visit aims to build on the existing Indo-EU relationship and expands cooperation in trade, security, and technology. This marks her third trip to India and focuses on negotiating a free trade agreement and strengthening defense ties in the Indo-Pacific.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi to discuss enhancing the strategic partnership with India, which she referred to as a “trusted friend” and “strategic ally.” Her discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set for Friday, as both parties aim to establish a new roadmap for their partnership amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.
Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar met with von der Leyen, emphasizing the importance of strengthening India-EU relations. The significance of this visit is highlighted by the participation of multiple Indian ministers and EU commissioners, marking it as a pivotal step forward in bilateral cooperation.
The delegation includes 22 out of the 27 EU commissioners, making this the first collective visit by the College of Commissioners outside Europe. The visit not only honors Mahatma Gandhi but also signifies a new phase in India-EU relations as both sides commemorate two decades of strategic partnership.
Upcoming meetings are scheduled to expand cooperation in crucial areas such as trade, investments, supply chains, and digital technologies. The discussions also aim to advance agreements on clean energy, urban sustainability, defense, and space technology.
This marks von der Leyen’s third visit to India, following her previous engagements in 2022 and 2023. The leaders are anticipated to evaluate ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive India-EU free trade agreement, particularly with a focus on enhancing trade ties to balance relations with China.
The EU looks forward to strengthening defense and security collaborations with India, particularly within the Indo-Pacific context. The outcome of these discussions will lay the groundwork for a new strategic agenda to be unveiled at the next India-EU summit, set for the latter half of this year in India.
In conclusion, President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to India marks a significant development in strengthening Indo-EU ties, focusing on enhancing strategic cooperation in multiple sectors. As both sides strive to navigate the complexities of geopolitics, their collective efforts aim to establish a robust framework for future commercial and strategic partnerships, ensuring mutual benefits and shared growth for the two regions.
Original Source: indianexpress.com