India and EU Forge Stronger Ties as Natural Partners in Turbulent Times
Following the co-chairing of the India-EU summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India and the European Union are natural partners in an evolving global landscape. Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening multilateralism and upholding international norms as the world order faces significant challenges.
Ukraine Conflict: A Central Point of Discussion
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war emerged as a pressing issue during the summit. European Council President Antonio Costa, in his media address, highlighted that the meeting reinforced their joint commitment to pursuing a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. This peace, he stressed, must fully respect Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Addressing Prime Minister Modi directly, Costa stated, "This is a key moment. We are supporting all efforts to reach a just and sustainable peace. Ukraine has shown its readiness, including at the cost of difficult compromises. I know, dear Prime Minister, that we can count on you to help create the conditions for peace, through dialogue and diplomacy."
India's longstanding relationship with Russia has been a point of contention for the EU since the conflict began. However, Brussels chose not to let this impede the progress of groundbreaking trade and defense agreements with India. The EU recognizes the necessity of collaborating with New Delhi in a world characterized by unpredictability and disruptions. Additionally, the EU is understood to have encouraged India to increase its humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
India's Stance on Ukraine and Global Stability
Prime Minister Modi, in his statement, noted that the global order is undergoing profound turbulence. In this context, he emphasized that the partnership between India and the EU will play a crucial role in enhancing stability within the international system. "Against this backdrop, we held detailed discussions today on several global issues, including Ukraine, West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific," said the Prime Minister. He added that respect for multilateralism and international norms remains a shared priority for both entities.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri provided further insight, revealing that EU leaders expressed their concerns about the conflict. Prime Minister Modi informed them that he has been in close contact with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders. Misri elaborated, "We favor a negotiated solution between the parties most closely concerned with this conflict. The PM himself has advocated this to both leaders. He has publicly stated that India is ready to do whatever is needed to support the outcomes from such a negotiated solution. And that we are interested in seeing the earliest possible cessation of this conflict."
Addressing the Gaza Situation and Peace Initiatives
The leaders also engaged in discussions regarding the Gaza situation, advocating for a just and lasting resolution based on the implementation of the two-State solution through dialogue and diplomacy.
According to the joint statement issued after the summit, both sides acknowledged the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 dated 17 November 2025. This resolution welcomes the establishment of the Board of Peace and authorizes an International Stabilisation Force, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, marking a step forward towards ending the Gaza conflict.
It is noteworthy that both India and the EU hold reservations about President Donald Trump's Board of Peace initiative. Unlike the mandate of the resolution, this initiative aims to address conflicts worldwide, not solely focusing on Gaza.
In their statement, Prime Minister Modi and the EU leaders urged all parties to implement the resolution in its entirety, in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. "Both sides restated their readiness to support efforts towards just and durable peace and stressed the need for unhindered humanitarian access," the joint statement concluded.
