NEW DELHI, Feb 28: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthening its ties with India after a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s strong partnership with India. She said, “Dear Narendra Modi, thank you so much for hosting us in New Delhi. The EU Commission’s visit symbolizes how much we value our partnership with India and how much I value our personal friendship,” sharing her thoughts on social media following the meeting at Hyderabad House.
The two leaders focused their discussions on enhancing the India-EU Strategic Partnership, with particular emphasis on initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which aims to increase connectivity between the regions. Von der Leyen expressed optimism for the future, saying, “As we enter the third decade of the EU-India strategic partnership, one thing is clear—the best is yet to come. Together, we can shape the future and build one of the defining partnerships of this century.”
Von der Leyen’s delegation arrived at Hyderabad House aboard a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus, developed in collaboration with Tata Motors and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), as part of the first official EU College of Commissioners’ visit to India. The visit highlights the ongoing deepening of ties between the two sides.
Earlier in the day, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in the 2nd India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting. The meeting reviewed progress in digital collaboration, clean energy initiatives, trade, investment, and supply chain resilience. Jaishankar noted that discussions centered on new opportunities in sectors such as semiconductors, AI, 6G, electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and a mutually beneficial trade regime.
Von der Leyen’s visit marks her third trip to India, following a bilateral visit in April 2022 and her attendance at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023. Modi and von der Leyen have also engaged frequently on the sidelines of various multilateral forums, further strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and the EU.
