PM Modi meets EU Commission President as India-EU ties strengthen

New Delhi, Feb 28: New Delhi witnessed a major diplomatic event as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and a high-level EU delegation at Hyderabad House. The EU official visit, which included 22 out of 27 EU Commissioners, is seen as a major step in deepening India-EU relations across trade, technology, security, and energy as EU Commission President said that Europe and India are like minded friends and this was the first trip of whole college of commissioners since December 2024.

Both sides, during discussions reviewed progress on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and explored ways to enhance cooperation in key sectors. PM Modi emphasized the natural and democratic foundation of the India-EU partnership, expressing confidence in finalizing the FTA by the end of the year.

India and EU Push for Free Trade Agreement

At a joint press statement, PM Modi highlighted the importance of the India-EU relationship:

"Over two decades of strategic partnership between India and the EU is natural and organic, and in its foundation are trust and democratic values .. We have had sincere and meaningful discussions. We have asked our teams to work on a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement and to realize it by the end of this year."

Von der Leyen echoed this commitment  at a think tank event earlier in the day:

"A free trade agreement between the EU and India would be the largest deal of its kind globally. I know it won’t be easy, but timing and determination matter. This partnership is crucial for both of us right now. That’s why Prime Minister Modi and I have agreed to push for its completion this year. You have my full commitment to making it happen."

Key Areas of Discussion: Trade, Security, and Green Energy

PM Modi highlighted  the growing cooperation in security and defence:

"Our growing cooperation on defence and security-related issues is a symbol of mutual trust. We will take forward cooperation on Cyber Security, Maritime Security, and Counter Terrorism. Both sides agree on the importance of peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. We welcome the EU's decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative."

India-EU Trade and Technology Council Meeting

The 2nd India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting, held alongside the visit, brought together Indian ministers and EU representatives to discuss progress in various sectors.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar shared on X:

"Participated in the 2nd India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting with my colleagues @PiyushGoyal and @AshwiniVaishnaw. Thank @HennaVirkkunen, @MarosSefcovic, and @EZaharievaEU for their partnership. Took stock of progress in digital partnership, green energy, and trade."

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, also met with the EU delegation to discuss collaborations in research, technology, and startups. He posted on X:

"A high-level #EU delegation led by @EZaharievaEU called on to discuss #StartUp and innovation collaborations. India’s innovation ecosystem continues to thrive under PM @NarendraModi’s leadership."

A Symbolic Green Journey

In a strong statement on sustainability, the EU delegation travelled to Hyderabad House in a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus, developed through a collaboration between Tata Motors and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). This reflected India's commitment to clean energy and technological innovation.

Economic and Strategic Significance

India and the EU share a long-standing partnership rooted in democracy and a rules-based international order. The EU is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $135 billion in FY 2023-24. European investments in India exceed $117 billion, with nearly 6,000 EU companies operating in the country.

The resumption of negotiations for an FTA, as well as a Geographical Indications Agreement, signals a strong commitment to boosting economic ties. Collaborations also extend to climate action, with the EU playing a key role in the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Strengthening India-EU Ties

Von der Leyen’s visit is historic as it marks the first time the entire College of Commissioners has travelled outside Europe since taking office in December 2024. Her past engagements with PM Modi—at the G20 Summit, G7 Summit, and COP28—have reinforced diplomatic ties.

With new opportunities in semiconductors, AI, digital trade, and climate action, this high-level visit sets the stage for deeper cooperation between India and the EU.

As Jaishankar summed up after a key bilateral cluster meeting:

"Glad to take part in the India-EU bilateral cluster meeting this morning with Commissioners @JozefSikela, @dubravkasuica, @MartaKosEU, @magnusbrunner from @EU_Commission, along with my colleagues @KVSinghMPGonda & @nityanandraibjp."

With India and the EU aligned on key global challenges, the future of this partnership looks stronger than ever.