EU Leaders in India to Strengthen Diplomatic and Economic Ties

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, accompanied by nearly all 26 of her fellow commissioners, will hold high-level discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior officials in New Delhi. This trip, the first of its kind for the new EU Commission, underscores the growing importance of EU-India ties.

"In this era of multiplying conflicts and intense geostrategic competition, Europe wants to deepen its partnership with India, one of its most trusted global allies," von der Leyen said in an exclusive interview with The Times of India on Thursday. “Our relationship is progressing with great momentum, and together, we can advance trade, economic security, and build resilient supply chains.”

Key topics on the agenda include artificial intelligence, clean energy, and trade negotiations. Von der Leyen is expected to meet India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Thursday, followed by a crucial meeting with Prime Minister Modi on Friday. One of the primary objectives is to further discussions on a free trade agreement, increase cooperation on cutting-edge digital technologies, and ramp up efforts in sectors like electric vehicles and green hydrogen.

The visit also represents the EU's strategic pivot as Brussels seeks to diversify its foreign relations following increasing uncertainties with the United States. Since the resurgence of former President Donald Trump and his approach to foreign policy, including his engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine, the EU has been looking to bolster ties with other key global partners such as India.

India, while historically close to Russia and long a proponent of strategic autonomy in foreign policy, has faced mounting Western pressure to align itself more strongly with international sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Despite this, India has largely maintained its neutral stance, highlighting the importance of strengthening its ties with both Western and Eastern powers.

“The visit will send a clear message that Europe is reinforcing its alliances, including with India, as we work to reset and strengthen our ties,” The Hindu newspaper reported.

India is the EU's largest trading partner, with total trade in goods reaching €124 billion ($130 billion) in 2023, making up over 12 percent of India’s total trade. However, India’s high tariff barriers have kept it from realizing its full potential as a trading partner, accounting for just 2.2 percent of the EU’s total goods trade.

“Negotiations are progressing, and we are preparing for a 10th round of talks in Brussels,” von der Leyen noted. “While we still have technical work to do, I am confident that we can cross the finish line if both sides remain committed.”

The EU delegation is also expected to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, one of India’s most revered independence figures, during a visit to the Raj Ghat memorial in New Delhi. This sacred site, where Gandhi was cremated in 1948 following his assassination by a Hindu nationalist, holds great significance in India’s history and is a symbol of its commitment to peace and non-violence.

This diplomatic visit signals a new chapter in EU-India relations, with both parties eager to capitalize on new opportunities for collaboration in an increasingly interconnected and volatile world.