Dedicated to Enhancing the India-EU Strategic Alliance: PM Modi
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New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) During a recent phone call with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the substantial advancements achieved in the India-EU Strategic Partnership over the last decade.
Costa, who previously served as the Prime Minister of Portugal, reached out to PM Modi after taking office as the President of the council, which outlines the overarching political direction and priorities of the European Union (EU).
He was appointed to succeed Charles Michel as Council President following the EU Parliament elections in June 2024.
“I am delighted to converse with President Antonio Costa. India and the EU are indeed natural allies. We aim to collaborate closely to enhance the India-EU Strategic Partnership, particularly in technology, green energy, digital space, trade, and investments,” PM Modi posted on X after their phone discussion on Tuesday.
The two leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening ties and emphasized the importance of concluding a mutually advantageous India-EU FTA promptly.
“We are eager for the upcoming India-EU Summit to take place in India at a mutually agreeable time. We exchanged perspectives on regional and global matters of shared interest. We agreed to maintain ongoing communication,” stated a release from the Prime Minister's Office.
PM Modi had previously congratulated Costa, who also held the position of Mayor of Lisbon in 2007, 2009, and 2013, upon his election as the next President of the European Council last June.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed: “Congratulations to my friend Antonio Costa on being elected the next President of the European Council. I anticipate collaborating closely with you to elevate the India-EU Strategic Partnership.”
On Friday, during his address at the official commencement of the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union, Costa stressed a collective vision for Europe aimed at reinforcing the unity among member states.
“Poland stands out as one of the foremost success stories of enlargement and represents the most significant geostrategic investment Europe has made to ensure freedom and democracy following extended periods of totalitarianism. I am confident that the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union will once again demonstrate that patriotism and European integration are intertwined and that rotating presidencies uphold the role of member states as pivotal contributors to the EU’s strategic agenda,” he remarked.
The theme of the Polish Presidency is 'Security, Europe!'
“Our Union originated as a peace initiative post-World War II, and we must fortify our security once more to guarantee peace in Europe,” Costa concluded.
