Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The agenda of the high-level talks will include trade, global cooperation, India-EU Trade Agreement, climate change initiatives, defence ties, security and digital transformation, as per a report by ANI.

Leyen highlighted the growing strength of Indian-EU relations during her visit to New Delhi on Friday, as reported by The Indian Express. During the meeting, efforts were made to foster deeper cooperation in the field of trade, defence and security. While addressing an event organised by the EU and India’s World magazine, Leyen underlined that India and the European Union (EU) share a unique position in handling global challenges together.

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Leyen stated, ‘’This world is fraught with danger, but Europe and India have an opportunity to redefine their ties in this evolving landscape. We stand to benefit from greater cooperation rather than isolationism. ‘’

India-EU partnership

With the Russia-Ukraine war moulding global security dynamics, Leyen stressed the need for India and the EU to work together in combating threats. She disclosed that discussions are going on to set up a formal security and defence partnership. This will be similar to EU cooperation models with South Korea and Japan. ‘’We are setting up our defence spending and ensuring access to critical abilities. We also want to broaden security ties with India, addressing challenges like cross-border terrorism, cyber threats, maritime security and attacks on critical infrastructure,’’ as quoted by The Indian Express.

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India-EU Free Trade Agreement status

 Leyen also asserted on finalising the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it as ‘’the largest deal of its kind anywhere in the world.’’ She accepted that negotiations would be complicated but maintained that both sides are committed to complete it by the end of this year.

‘’We have agreed with Prime Minister Modi to give priority to this deal. Timing and determination will be essential, and you can count on my full commitment to delivering this deal,’’ she remarked.

The European Commission President also hailed India-Middle East-Europe Corridor which was floated during India’s G20 presidency in 2023. She termed it as a transformational initiative that could modify global trade. This Corridor will also escalate commerce between Europe and India by 40%. It will also consist of sustainable infrastructure like clean hydrogen and high-speed data networks.

With discussions on several issues gaining momentum, Leyen’s visit marks a crucial moment in the India-EU partnership.