European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. They expressed anticipation for a productive summit and stronger ties between the European Union and India. Costa highlighted the importance of collaboration for mutual prosperity and security, aiming to address global challenges and shape a resilient global order.
Costa thanked PM Modi for the warm welcome and emphasized the shared values and ambitions driving the partnership. Von der Leyen, on social media, described the EU and India as “making history” with a significant trade agreement benefitting two billion people. Both leaders also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, underscoring a commitment to peace and non-violence.
Later, Costa and von der Leyen will represent the EU at the 16th EU-India summit hosted by PM Modi. The leaders acknowledged the near completion of a substantial India-EU Free Trade Agreement, hailed as the ‘Mother of All Deals’. PM Modi highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement, emphasizing its potential to boost trade, strengthen economic ties, and enhance global supply chains.
The trade deal, a landmark agreement between India and the EU, symbolizes a significant synergy between two major economies. PM Modi praised the agreement for reinforcing commitments to democracy and the rule of law. He commended the sectors set to benefit from the deal and expressed confidence in India’s economic growth and global standing.
