EU Vice-President Kaja Kallas Arrives in New Delhi for First Official Visit
European Union Vice-President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, arrived in New Delhi on Saturday, marking her inaugural official visit to India. This diplomatic engagement occurs during a period of intensified dialogue and cooperation between India and the European Union, setting the stage for significant bilateral developments.
Warm Welcome and Strategic Timing
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal extended a warm welcome to Kallas via a post on social media platform X. He emphasized that the visit builds upon the momentum of regular high-level engagements between the two sides and arrives at an opportune moment to further strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
"A warm welcome to EU HRVP Kaja Kallas on her first official visit to India as the EU High Representative and Vice-President. The visit comes at an opportune moment to further strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership, building on the momentum of regular high-level engagements," Jaiswal stated in his post.
Announcement of New Security and Defence Partnership
Ahead of her visit, Kallas addressed the European Parliament, outlining the European Union's plans to deepen cooperation with India. She announced a significant development: the EU has agreed to proceed with the signing of a new Security and Defence Partnership.
This partnership aims to expand collaboration across several strategic areas, including maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber defence. Kallas expressed her anticipation for signing the agreement during the upcoming EU-India Summit in New Delhi.
"Europe is ready to deliver on a powerful new agenda with India. Today, the EU agreed to move forward with the signature of a new Security and Defence Partnership. It will expand our cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber defence. I look forward to signing it next week during the EU-India Summit in New Delhi," Kallas remarked.
16th India-EU Summit and Comprehensive Strategic Agenda
India and the European Union are scheduled to hold the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi. During this summit, both sides are expected to adopt a new comprehensive strategic agenda designed to guide future cooperation and enhance the bilateral relationship.
The summit represents a critical platform for addressing mutual interests and setting the course for enhanced diplomatic and economic ties between the two major global entities.
Progress on India-EU Free Trade Agreement
These diplomatic engagements coincide with notable progress in the negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has indicated that the two sides are nearing the final stages of this landmark deal.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen described the proposed agreement as one of significant scale, potentially creating a market encompassing 2 billion people and accounting for almost a quarter of global GDP.
"There is still work to do. But we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement. Some call it the mother of all deals. One that would create a market of 2 billion people, accounting for almost a quarter of global GDP," von der Leyen highlighted.
She confirmed her plans to travel to India the following weekend to advance work related to the proposed trade agreement, focusing on strengthening economic ties and deepening cooperation between Europe and India.
Upcoming State Visit by EU Leaders
European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will undertake a three-day State Visit to India from January 25 to 27. Their visit includes serving as Chief Guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations, a significant honor reflecting the deepening ties.
The two leaders will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27. Their itinerary features meetings with President Droupadi Murmu, as well as restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The participation of EU leaders in the Republic Day celebrations and the summit is anticipated to further bolster the strategic partnership and advance cooperation in priority areas of mutual interest. This visit occurs at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and aligns with the advanced stage of negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to be concluded around the time of their visit.
