EU Chief Ursula Von Der Leyen To PM Modi: India Key To Ending Ukraine War

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa held a telephonic discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, with von der Leyen emphasizing that India has a vital role in resolving the Ukraine conflict.

"We had the pleasure of speaking with Prime Minister @narendramodi. We warmly welcome India's continued engagement with President Zelenskyy," von der Leyen wrote in a post on X.

Detailing the conversation, she stated, "India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and in creating a pathway toward peace." Calling the Ukraine war a matter of global concern, she added, "This war carries global security consequences and undermines economic stability. So it is a risk to the entire world."

Looking at the future of EU-India relations, von der Leyen announced that both sides aim to finalize a joint strategic agenda at the next EU-India summit, likely in 2026. She also reaffirmed the EU's commitment to conclude the long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations by the end of this year, but noted that "progress is needed now." The renewed push follows her earlier discussion with PM Modi on February 28, where both sides agreed to wrap up the FTA by year-end.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement Progress

The fresh round of talks between Modi and EU leaders came a day after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India is eager to bring its ongoing FTA negotiations with the European Union to a "decisive conclusion" soon.

Speaking at a joint press briefing alongside German counterpart Johann Wadephul, who was on a two-day India visit, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of early progress.

Meanwhile, India and the EU will open the 13th round of FTA negotiations in New Delhi on September 8, following the last round held in Brussels earlier this year. The two sides had resumed talks in June 2022 after an eight-year pause, with the aim of forging a comprehensive trade deal, an investment protection pact, and an agreement on geographical indications.

Negotiations had originally stalled in 2013 due to disagreements over market access, but both sides are now working to push the deal forward.