European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Arrives in New Delhi for Crucial India-EU Summit
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen touched down in New Delhi on Friday, marking the beginning of a significant four-day diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening and expanding the multifaceted partnership between India and the European Union. This high-profile visit, as reported by PTI, is strategically timed to lay the groundwork for a series of major bilateral initiatives that are poised to redefine the strategic and economic contours of the India-EU relationship.
Summit Preparations and Republic Day Participation
The visit serves as a crucial precursor to the upcoming India-EU Summit, where von der Leyen, alongside the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, is scheduled to engage in substantive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on January 27. Antonio Costa is anticipated to arrive in the national capital on Sunday, adding further momentum to the diplomatic engagements.
Notably, both European leaders will have the distinct honor of serving as the chief guests at India's prestigious Republic Day celebrations on January 26, a gesture that underscores the deepening political and cultural ties between the world's two largest democracies. This participation symbolizes a shared commitment to democratic values and mutual respect.
Key Agreements on the Agenda
Officials have indicated that the summit is expected to be a landmark event, with several long-pending agreements set to be announced. The centerpiece of the discussions will be the formal conclusion of the much-anticipated India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a pact that has been under negotiation for years and promises to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment flows.
In addition to the trade deal, the two sides are working diligently to finalize a strategic defence partnership pact, which aims to enhance cooperation in security, defence technology, and maritime domains. Furthermore, a framework agreement to facilitate the mobility of Indian professionals to the EU is also on the table, addressing a key priority for India's skilled workforce.
Warm Welcome and Strategic Vision
Upon her arrival, Union Minister Jitin Prasada extended a warm welcome to President von der Leyen. The External Affairs Ministry characterized the visit as a pivotal step toward deepening the strategic engagement between India and the EU.
Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized this on social media platform X, stating, "Charting the next phase of the India-EU Strategic partnership. A warm welcome to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, on her State Visit to India." He further elaborated, "As the world's two largest democracies, India and the EU share a partnership rooted in mutual trust and shared values."
Thriving Economic Partnership
The visit comes against the backdrop of a steadily strengthening India-EU relationship in recent years. The European Union, as a collective bloc, stands as India's largest trading partner in goods, highlighting the immense economic interdependence between the two entities.
According to official data from the 2024-25 financial year, the total bilateral trade in goods reached an impressive figure of approximately $136 billion. This robust trade volume is composed of Indian exports valued at around $76 billion and imports from the EU amounting to about $60 billion, showcasing a healthy trade balance that benefits both economies.
This comprehensive engagement, spanning trade, defence, and people-to-people ties, underscores a shared vision for a stable and prosperous global order, with the upcoming summit expected to deliver concrete outcomes that will further solidify this vital partnership.
