External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Chief Guests for India’s Republic Day ceremony. Jaishankar expressed confidence that their talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will open a new chapter in India-EU relations.
Costa and Von der Leyen received a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour in India. Union Minister Jitin Prasada greeted Costa upon his arrival for the state visit. The visit aims to deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
Costa and Von der Leyen will attend the 16th EU-India Summit in New Delhi on January 27. The summit will focus on enhancing collaboration in trade, security, defense, clean energy, and people-to-people connections. Leaders will discuss a comprehensive strategic agenda to boost cooperation in various sectors.
Von der Leyen emphasized the strong EU-India partnership, covering trade, security, clean energy, and people-to-people ties. The summit will also address ongoing free trade agreement negotiations since 2007. Discussions will include security, defense, regional and global issues, and the importance of a rules-based international order.
