India and EU Elevate Strategic Partnership
During a historic visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the strength of the EU-India Strategic Partnership, which has significantly benefited both regions and the global community. The leaders committed to enhancing this partnership, building on over two decades of collaboration, to address pressing global challenges and promote mutual prosperity.
Historic Visit Marks New Era
President von der Leyen’s visit on February 27-28, 2025, marked a significant milestone as it was the first official trip of the European Union College of Commissioners outside Europe since their new mandate began. This visit is also the first of its kind in the history of India-EU relations. Both leaders emphasized the importance of their nations as the largest democracies and open market economies, highlighting their shared commitment to fostering a resilient multipolar global order. They underscored the necessity of collaboration to ensure peace, stability, economic growth, and sustainable development.
The discussions focused on shared values such as democracy, the rule of law, and adherence to a rules-based international order, aligning with the principles of the UN Charter. Modi and von der Leyen recognized that the India-EU partnership is crucial for addressing global issues, enhancing stability, and promoting mutual prosperity.
Strengthening Economic Ties
The leaders agreed to intensify cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and emerging technologies. They emphasized the need to de-risk supply chains and enhance collaboration in critical areas such as digital and green industrial transitions, space, and defense. The second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) during the visit was welcomed as a step towards deeper collaboration in trade and technology.
Both leaders tasked their negotiating teams to pursue a balanced and ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming for completion within the year. They also directed officials to enhance market access and eliminate trade barriers while advancing negotiations on investment protection and geographical indications agreements. This commitment reflects the growing importance of India-EU trade relations.
Addressing Global Challenges Together
Modi and von der Leyen highlighted the need for joint efforts to tackle global challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence governance, and terrorism. They welcomed the establishment of the India-EU Green Hydrogen Forum and the India-EU Business Summit on Offshore Wind Energy, aiming to expand cooperation in clean energy and sustainable urbanization.
The leaders also discussed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) announced during the G20 Leaders’ Summit, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in various initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. They expressed a commitment to strengthen people-to-people ties, particularly in education, culture, and tourism, while promoting safe and orderly migration.
Commitment to Peace and Security
In discussions on international and regional issues, Modi and von der Leyen expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. They acknowledged the growing cooperation in defense and security, including joint exercises and collaboration between the Indian Navy and EU maritime security entities.
The leaders committed to exploring a security and defense partnership, emphasizing the need to address both traditional and non-traditional threats. They agreed on several concrete steps, including expediting the FTA, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and strengthening collaboration in disaster management.
Both leaders expressed optimism that this landmark visit would usher in a new chapter in India-EU relations, with plans for the next summit to be held in India at a mutually convenient time. President von der Leyen thanked Prime Minister Modi for his warm hospitality, signaling a promising future for the partnership.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.