India and EU Establish Strategic Partnership to Navigate a Fractured World, Says Von der Leyen

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasises the strategic partnership between India and the EU as a model for global engagement. Ahead of the summit, she highlights their commitment to mutual resilience and dialogue.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the strategic partnership between India and Europe. This collaboration aims to demonstrate a new engagement model to a divided world. Her remarks came before summit discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. European Council President Antonio Costa and von der Leyen will attend the Republic Day celebrations as chief guests.

The India-EU summit on Tuesday is expected to announce the conclusion of negotiations for a long-awaited free trade agreement. Additionally, several ambitious initiatives are set to be finalised. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed hope that the summit will mark a new chapter in bilateral relations after meeting with the EU leaders.

Strategic Partnership and Trade

Von der Leyen emphasised the strategic choice made by India and Europe. She stated, "India and Europe have made a clear choice. The choice of strategic partnership, dialogue and openness. Leveraging our complementary strengths. And building mutual resilience." She added that this partnership shows the world an alternative path.

Costa described India as an essential partner for the EU. He noted, "Together, we share the capacity and responsibility to protect the rules-based international order," according to an EU statement. The summit aims to build on the EU-India strategic partnership, enhancing collaboration in trade, security, defence, clean transition, and people-to-people cooperation.

Republic Day Celebrations

Jaishankar expressed privilege in having the two EU leaders as chief guests for India's 77th Republic Day celebrations. He stated confidence that their discussions with Prime Minister Modi would open a new chapter in India-EU relations.

The summit will also focus on establishing a strategic defence partnership pact and a framework for Indian professionals' mobility. Von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi on Saturday, followed by Costa on Sunday.

Economic Ties and Future Prospects

At the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 20, von der Leyen mentioned that India and the EU are nearing a historic trade agreement. This deal could create a market of two billion people, representing nearly a quarter of global GDP.

In recent years, India-EU relations have strengthened significantly. The EU is India's largest trading partner in goods as a bloc. For the financial year 2024-25, India's total trade with the EU was approximately USD 136 billion, with exports around USD 76 billion and imports at USD 60 billion.

The upcoming summit presents an opportunity to further solidify this partnership across various sectors, ensuring continued growth and cooperation between India and Europe.

With inputs from PTI