New Delhi: The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has embarked on a four-day trip to India aimed at enhancing bilateral relations through significant initiatives.
On January 27, von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will engage in summit discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, amidst rising global concerns regarding the economic and security policies of the Trump administration.
Costa is scheduled to arrive in the capital on Sunday, and both leaders from the European Union will participate as chief guests in the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
During the summit, India and the EU are expected to finalize a long-anticipated free trade agreement, establish a strategic defense partnership, and create a framework for the mobility of Indian professionals.
Union Minister Jitin Prasada greeted von der Leyen upon her arrival at the airport.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed on 'X', "Charting the next phase of the India-EU Strategic partnership. A warm welcome to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen, on her State Visit to India."
He further noted, "As the world’s two largest democracies, India and the EU share a partnership rooted in mutual trust and shared values."
In recent years, the relationship between India and the EU has strengthened significantly.
The EU stands as India's largest trading partner in goods, with total trade valued at approximately USD 136 billion for the financial year 2024-25, including exports of around USD 76 billion and imports totaling USD 60 billion.
