New Delhi – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi today for a two-day visit aimed at deepening India-EU ties. She is accompanied by the European Union College of Commissioners, marking the first-ever visit of EU Commissioners to India.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with President von der Leyen and expressed appreciation for her commitment to reenergizing India’s engagement with Europe. “The wide-ranging participation of Indian Ministers and EU Commissioners during this visit stands testimony to the importance we place on deeper India-EU ties,” he stated in a post on X.
A Trusted Strategic Partner
Upon her arrival, President von der Leyen emphasized the significance of India-EU relations. “In an era of conflicts and intense competition, you need trusted friends. For Europe, India is such a friend and a strategic ally,” she posted on X.
The European Commission President was received at the airport by Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel. Later, she visited Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, recalling his message of universal peace.
Key Meetings and Agenda
President von der Leyen is set to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow at Hyderabad House. Their discussions will be followed by press statements. The visit will also include the second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and several bilateral meetings between European Commissioners and their Indian counterparts.
India and the European Union, strategic partners since 2004, have expanded cooperation across multiple sectors. This visit marks a significant milestone as both sides enter the third decade of their partnership, with growing convergences in trade, technology, and security.
Historical Context and Economic Ties
This marks President von der Leyen’s third visit to India. She previously visited in April 2022, where she announced the establishment of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council. She also attended the G20 Leaders’ Summit in India in September 2023. In the wake of the European Parliamentary elections in June 2024, Prime Minister Modi and President von der Leyen met on the sidelines of the G20 Rio Summit in November 2024.
Bilateral trade between India and the EU has reached new heights. In the fiscal year 2023-24, bilateral trade in goods stood at US$135 billion, making the EU India’s largest trading partner. Bilateral trade in services reached US$53 billion, registering its highest-ever value. EU investments in India are valued at over US$117 billion, with around 6,000 European companies present in the country. Meanwhile, India’s investments in the EU stand at approximately US$40 billion.
Paving the Way for Stronger Cooperation
As President von der Leyen’s visit unfolds, it is expected to further enhance India-EU cooperation, particularly in trade, technology, and security. With both sides recognizing each other as key strategic allies, this visit is poised to set the stage for deeper collaboration and mutual growth.
