European Council President Antonio Costa Celebrates Personal Connection to India During Historic Trade Deal Announcement
In a momentous development for international relations, European Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday expressed profound pride in his ancestral roots in Goa while announcing the conclusion of an ambitious free trade agreement between India and the European Union. The announcement came during a high-profile press conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, where Costa shared the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen following comprehensive summit talks.
A Personal Connection to India
During his remarks, Costa made a heartfelt gesture that underscored his personal ties to India. He pulled out his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card from his suit pocket and displayed it to the gathering, declaring, "I am the President of the European Council, but I am also an overseas Indian citizen." He emphasized that this dual identity gave special meaning to the occasion, stating, "For me, it has a special meaning. I am very proud of my roots in Goa, where my father's family came from. And, the connection between Europe and India is something personal to me."
Historic Free Trade Agreement Finalized
Costa described the day as "a historic moment" that marks the opening of a new chapter in India-EU relations across multiple domains including trade, security, and people-to-people ties. The free trade agreement, which has been characterized as the "mother of all deals," represents a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation. Costa highlighted that the negotiations were relaunched during a leaders' meeting he hosted in May 2021 in his previous capacity, demonstrating sustained commitment from both sides.
"Our summit sends a clear message to the world: at a time when the global order is being fundamentally reshaped, the European Union and India stand together as strategic and reliable partners," Costa asserted. He added that the partnership is being elevated to the next level through this comprehensive agreement.
Comprehensive Strategic Agenda and Multiple Agreements
In alignment with their shared vision for a rules-based global order, India and the 27-nation European Union bloc unveiled a joint comprehensive strategic agenda designed to guide their cooperation over the next five years. Beyond the landmark free trade agreement, the two parties finalized an impressive total of thirteen agreements, covering various aspects of their multifaceted relationship.
Background on Costa's Indian Heritage
Antonio Costa's connection to India traces back to Goa, which remained a Portuguese territory for several centuries before its liberation from colonial rule on December 19, 1961. Interestingly, Costa was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 17, 1961—nearly five months before Goa's liberation. His family's historical ties to the region add a deeply personal dimension to his diplomatic role in strengthening India-EU relations.
OCI Scheme and Its Significance
The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme, which Costa holds, was introduced through an amendment to the Citizenship Act of 1955 in August 2005. This program is specifically designed for persons of Indian origin who are foreign nationals. Registered OCI holders are granted:
- A multiple-entry, multi-purpose visa to visit India
- Lifelong validity of their visa status
- Various benefits while in India, though the status does not confer political rights
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the OCI scheme facilitates stronger connections between India and its diaspora worldwide.
Republic Day Celebrations and Bilateral Engagement
The India-EU summit followed significant ceremonial engagements, with both EU leaders serving as chief guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path on Monday. Costa expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the warm welcome, stating, "Thank you dear Prime Minister Modi, for welcoming us on this special occasion. We were privileged yesterday to be your Chief Guests for the Republic Day celebrations, such an impressive display of India's capabilities and diversity."
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi hosted von der Leyen and Costa for the summit talks in New Delhi, setting the stage for the landmark announcements that followed. The convergence of personal heritage and diplomatic achievement created a unique moment in international relations, highlighting how individual connections can strengthen institutional partnerships between major global powers.
