European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen Arrives In India For 2-Day Visit: 'In Era Of Conflict, Need Trusted Friends'
EC President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in India on Thursday and will be holding bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi on Friday focussing mainly trade and defence.
European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day visit to expand bilateral cooperation in areas of trade, investment, defence and clean energy. The visit by the EC President, accompanied by the European Union (EU) College of Commissioners, or senior Cabinet Ministers of the 27-member states of the bloc, comes amid global concerns over US President Donald Trump's economic policies.
Von der Leyen will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday on various sectors, including the India-EU free trade deal. The visit is also expected to pave the way for a new strategic partnership roadmap between the two sides that will be unveiled at the India-EU Summit slated to be hosted by New Delhi later this year.
"Touchdown in Delhi with my team of Commissioners," the EC chief said in a social media post after arriving in New Delhi, where she was received by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel. "In an era of conflicts and intense competition, you need trusted friends. For Europe, India is such a friend and a strategic ally," she said further.
The visit is expected to be focused on expanding trade and economic engagement between the two sides besides tariffs and boosting defence and security ties. However, both sides are unlikely to arrive at the “finishing line”, implying that the negotiations, that originally began in 2007, are going to continue for a long time to come, according to an EU official.
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The EU is expected to call on India to reduce tariffs on cars, wine, and agricultural products. The two sides will also discuss issues related to the export of defence equipment from the EU to India
With Donald Trump returning to the White House, there have been concerns in Europe, like many other nations, over his policy of reciprocal tariffs. The 27-member states bloc is keen to expand its trade with India and both sides believe that the proposed free trade pact will significantly enhance the economic engagement.
On Thursday, Von der Leyen will hold a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar after laying a wreath at Rajghat. On Friday, she will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi followed by press statements.
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