External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar called on the President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in New Delhi today. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar expressed confidence that the upcoming discussions of the two leaders with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would herald a new chapter in India- European Union relations.
Earlier, Mr Costa received a cordial welcome upon his arrival in New Delhi for a State Visit to India today. He was received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada. Mr Costa and Ms Leyen were accorded a Guard of Honour and a ceremonial welcome at the airport.
The leaders are on a state visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They will be the Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartvya Path tomorrow. During the visit, the leaders will explore the next phase of the India-European Union (EU) Strategic Partnership.
India and the EU share a partnership rooted in mutual trust and shared values. India’s engagement with the EU highlights its strategic focus on Europe, aligned with the upcoming India-EU Summit and the ongoing Free Trade Agreement. As of 2024, over 9 lakh 31 thousand Indians resided in the European Union, including more than 16 thousand Blue Card holders. In the past two decades, more than 6 thousand Indian students received Erasmus Mundus scholarships, highlighting India-EU mobility and educational ties. The visit of the European Union leaders underscores the government’s intent to elevate India-EU relations as a core pillar of its global and European strategy.
