India concluded a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union this week — with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa in attendance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the unprecedented trip during an address on Tuesday and highlighted the shared ties between the 27-nation bloc and New Delhi. Costa also made waves after revealing that he was an overseas citizen of India with deep roots in Goa.
“It is a pleasure to welcome my two close friends, President Costa and President von der Leyen, on this unprecedented visit to India. Costa is known as the “Gandhi of Lisbon” for his simple lifestyle and his love for society,” PM Modi recounted during his address.
He also noted that India-EU relations have grown exponentially in recent years — rooted in shared democratic values, economic synergy, and strong people-to-people ties. Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa had arrived over the weekend and attended Republic Day celebrations in Delhi as Chief Guests.
President of European Council and overseas Indian citizen
The European Council President brandished his overseas Indian card as he addressed a joint press meet on Tuesday — revealing his Goan roots. Antonio Costa noted that the conclusion of negotiations also held a special meaning for him.
“I’m the President of the European Council, but I’m also an overseas Indian citizen. Then, as you can imagine, for me it has a special meaning. I’m very proud of my roots in Goa, where my father’s family came from and the connection between Europe and India is something personal to me,” he said.
Meet Antonio Costa – The ‘Gandhi of Lisbon’
Antonio Costa is often called the ‘Gandhi of Lisbon’ for his non-violent, dialogue-driven approach to urban renewal and his simple lifestyle. He served as the mayor of the city from 2007 to 2015 — transforming the crime-ridden Mouraria neighbourhood through peaceful negotiations and community engagement. The area — once notorious for drug trafficking and prostitution — has gradually morphed into a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood.
Multiple deals signed
India and the European Union inked key agreements and MoUs on Tuesday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. Notably, India and the EU have also agreed on a strategy document titled, ‘Towards 2030- a joint India-European Union Comprehensive Strategic Agenda.’ India and EU exchanged several agreements and MoUs reflecting the wide-ranging and multi-faceted cooperation as a part of the India-EU Strategic Cooperation.
The political declaration on conclusion of negotiations on the India-EU FTA by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and European Union Trade Commissioner Marcos Sefcovic.
The India-EU Security and Defence Partnership document was signed by EU VP Kaja Kallas and EAM S Jaishankar.
The signing of the document the Comprehensive Framework on Cooperation on mobility was signed by European Union Trade Commissioner Marcos Sefcovic and EAM Jaishankar.
Other documents exchanged include cooperation on disaster risk management, agreement on the constitution of a green hydrogen task force and two documents MoU between the Reserve Bank of India and the European Securities and Markets Authority and the administrative arrangement on the advanced electronic seals and signatures.