PM Modi, European Commission President Discuss Deeper Ties With Trade, Technology, Security Pacts
India and the EU announced strategic agreements covering trade, technology, security, and sustainability. The two sides also pledged to complete a Free Trade Agreement by year-end.
In a landmark meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced a series of strategic agreements spanning trade, technology, security, and sustainability, underscoring the deepening partnership between India and the European Union. The leaders emphasized mutual trust, shared democratic values, and a commitment to global stability.
During the joint press statement, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the EU-India relationship, stating, “Over two decades of strategic partnership between India and the EU is natural and organic, and in its foundation are trust and democratic values.” He also reaffirmed the commitment to finalizing a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year, an ambitious step that could significantly boost economic ties between the two regions.
President von der Leyen echoed the sentiment, noting that this visit signifies the high priority the EU places on its partnership with India. She poetically linked the timing of the summit to the rare celestial alignment of seven planets, calling it a moment of “growth and transformation” for both Europe and India.
#WATCH | Delhi | During the joint press statement with PM Modi, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen says, "...Today is no ordinary day, Europe and India are coming together and as I read in the news, so are the planets. Seven planets in the Solar system… pic.twitter.com/dbg9ckNXub
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2025
What PM Modi, Von der Leyen Discussed
Both sides pledged to accelerate FTA negotiations, aiming for completion by year-end, while also advancing an investment protection framework and a Geographical Indications (GI) agreement. India and the EU will collaborate on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, high-performance computing, and 6G.
A new Green Hydrogen Forum and Offshore Wind Energy Business Summit were announced to drive clean energy initiatives. Morevoer, joint research initiatives will be explored on electric vehicle (EV) batteries, marine plastics, and green hydrogen, with concrete steps to advance the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), envisioned as a key driver of global commerce.
#WATCH | Delhi: In a joint statement with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, PM Narendra Modi says, "Joint research will be done in EV batteries, marine plastics and green hydrogen. We will further our joint plan for sustainable urban development. In the… pic.twitter.com/kvE524YU48
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2025
With global geopolitical tensions on the rise, both leaders underscored the importance of security cooperation. PM Modi emphasized India and the EU's increasing collaboration in cybersecurity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism, calling it a symbol of “mutual trust.”
#WATCH | Delhi: In a joint statement with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, PM Narendra Modi says, "Our increasing cooperation over the issues related to security is a symbol of mutual trust. We will go ahead in cooperation over cyber security, maritime… pic.twitter.com/w3U5BRIVf6
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2025
A major highlight was the EU's decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, strengthening collective efforts for stability and prosperity in the region. "Both sides have unanimity regarding the significance of peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Modi stated.
#WATCH | Delhi: In a joint statement with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, PM Narendra Modi says, "Both sides have unanimity regarding the significance of peace, security, stability and prosperity in Indo-Pacific Region. We welcome the decision of the EU… pic.twitter.com/CKtF2XsGl5
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2025
Von der Leyen hailed India as a "like-minded friend" and stressed that the EU remains India's largest trading partner. She called for elevating the EU-India Trade and Technology Council to the "next level" reinforcing the need for trusted supply chains that avoid harmful dependencies.
Recognising India's prowess in digital innovation, she highlighted Modi's remarks at the AI-Paris Summit, saying, "You were so right when you said that AI is writing the code of humanity."
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