European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen along with the entire EU College of Commissioners is all set to visit India next week. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the high-profile delegation intends to boost cooperation and enhance convergence between the European Union and India across crucial sectors.
First visit of EU College of Commissioners in India
Leyen and her team on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi are slated to arrive on February 27 and 28. This will be the first inaugural joint visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India and a third trip for Leyen. She visited India during a bilateral visit in April 2022 and during the G20 Leaders Summit in September 2023.
The MEA stated, ‘’ This will be the first-ever visit of the EU College of Commissioners coming together to India and marks the first such visit since the beginning of the mandate of the current European Commission in December 2024 after the European parliamentary elections held in June 2024.’’
India-EU bilateral talks
During the official trip, President von der Leyen will attend delegation-level talks with PM Modi along with several ministerial meetings. These will comprise the multiple bilateral session between European and Indian ministers along with the second ministerial meeting of the IndiA-eu Trade and Technology Council (TEC).
The MEA reflecting on the strategic tie-ups that started in 2004, ‘’As the two sides enter the third decade of the strategic partnership, the visit of the President Leyan and the EU College of Commissioners will further way for strengthening bilateral partnership based on growing convergences.’’
Discussion on Global political issues
Moreover, apart from bilateral discussions, broader geopolitical issues are also on the plan. US President Donald Trump’s recent shift in his stance related to direct engagement with Russia has brought a unique set of challenges for Europe.
According to sources of The Indian Express, the issue is ‘naturally’ going to be part of the discussions between PM Modi and the EU chief and with her delegation.