New Delhi: The European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen arrived for a 2-day visit to India to strengthen the EU-India strategic partnership. This will be her first trip to India as the President of the European Commission.
During this visit, the European Commission President will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conversations will centre around fighting against climate change and biodiversity loss, the energy and digital transition, connectivity, security and defence, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia will also feature in the conversations.
Aside from this, EU-India's broad economic agenda, with a focus on the free trade agreement, Investment Protection agreement and Geographical Indications agreement will also be on the agenda.
ALSO READ: J&K: Two Pakistani JeM Terrorists Killed In Kulgam Encounter, Incriminating Materials Recovered
President von der Leyen will visit The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) campus known as TERI Gram, where she will interact with the youth on the existential challenge of climate change and the need to work together for a green, digital and resilient future.
The EU President will also deliver an address at the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and discuss with Indian and EU companies the security of supply chains in the energy sector.
The President of the European Commission has been invited as the Chief Guest for this year's edition of Raisina Dialogue and will address the inaugural session on April 25.
"India and the European Union share a vibrant Strategic Partnership which has been witnessing strong growth with wider and deeper cooperation in Political and Strategic, Trade and Commerce, Climate and Sustainability, Digital and Technology aspects as well as people-to-people ties," the MEA statement read.
The EU is one of the largest investors in India accounting for 16 per cent of total investments received between 2015-20 (Euro 83 billion in 2000-2021.
There are 4,500 European companies operating in India, contributing to the creation of over 1.5 million direct and 5 million indirect jobs in the country.