New Delhi, Feb 27 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today called on visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and voiced appreciation for her thoughts on reenergizing India’s engagement with Europe.
In a post on X, the EAM said:
“Pleased to call on @EU_Commission President @vonderleyen
today in Delhi.
“Appreciate her thoughts on reenergizing India’s engagement with Europe.
“The wide ranging participation of Indian Ministers and EU College of Commissioners during this visit stands testimony to the importance we place on deeper India-EU ties.”
The European Commission President in a post on X said:
“Touchdown in Delhi with my team of Commissioners.
“In an era of conflicts and intense competition, you need trusted friends.
“For Europe, India is such a friend and a strategic ally.
“I’ll discuss with @narendramodi how to take our strategic partnership to the next level.”
Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived here today on a two-day visit during which she will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The MEA spokesperson said in a post on X that Von der Leyen was received at the airport by Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel.
"Elevating the India-EU multifaceted partnership to new heights.
“President of the @EU_Commission @vonderleyen arrives in New Delhi for the first visit of EU College of Commissioners to India.
“Warmly received with a special welcome by MoS for Health & Family Welfare @AnupriyaSPatel at the airport."
Later, the European Commission president visited Raj Ghat.
The MEA spokesperson said on X:
"Recalling Mahatma’s message of universal peace.
“President of the @EU_Commission @vonderleyen started her India visit with homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat."
Tomorrow she will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House, to be followed by press statements.
Von Der Leyen, whose visit is on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is accompanied by the European Union College of Commissioners.
The second ministerial meeting of the India – EU Trade and Technology Council and bilateral ministerial meetings between the European Commissioners and their Indian counterparts will also be held during the visit.
India and European Union are strategic partners since 2004 and their bilateral ties have expanded and deepened across a wide range of areas. As the two sides enter the third decade of the strategic partnership, the visit of President von der Leyen and the EU College of Commissioners will pave the way for further strengthening of bilateral relations based on growing convergences.
This is President Ursula von der Leyen’s third visit to India.
President von der Leyen paid an official visit to India on April 24-25, 2022. During her meeting with Prime Minister, they announced the establishment of an India-EU Trade and Technology Council. She also participated in the Raisina Dialogue 2022 in April as the Chief Guest and delivered the inaugural address.
The India–EU Trade and Technology Council was set up as a strategic coordination mechanism to tackle challenges at the nexus of trade, trusted technology, and security, and thus deepening cooperation in these fields. The TTC met in Brussels on May 16, 2023.
She also attended the G20 Leaders’ Summit in India in September 2023.
Prime Minister and President Ursula von der Leyen have also met regularly on the sidelines of multilateral meetings.
Following the European Parliamentary elections in June 2024, Prime Minister Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen briefly met on the sidelines of the G20 Rio Summit in November 2024. PM spoke telephonically with European Council President Antonio Costa in January 2025. There are regular high-level interactions between the leaders.
In FY 2023-24, Bilateral trade in Goods with the EU stood at US$135 billion (with exports to EU at US$76 billion and imports from EU at US$59 billion) making EU the largest trading partner for India in goods. Bilateral Trade in Services in 2023 stood at US $53 billion (comprising Indian exports worth US $30 billion and imports worth US $23 billion) registering the highest ever trade in services. EU investments in India are valued at over US$117 billion with around 6,000 European companies present in India. India’s investments in the EU are valued at around US$40 billion.
UNI RN