PM Modi Calls EU Delegation's Visit 'Unprecedented', Promises Enhanced Connectivity, Trade, and Technological Linkages

New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) Describing the current visit of the President of the European Commission and the College of Commissioners to India as “unprecedented”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Friday that this engagement will uplift the India-European Union multifaceted partnership to new levels.

“This is not just the first visit of the European Commission to India, but it is also the inaugural comprehensive engagement of the European Commission in any individual nation. Moreover, it marks one of the Commission's initial visits in its new term,” said PM Modi while addressing the media alongside Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

The President of the European Commission, along with the European Union College of Commissioners, arrived in New Delhi on Thursday afternoon for a two-day visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi.

This marks the first-ever joint visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India and also the first trip outside of Europe by the new College of Commissioners that assumed office in December 2024, ushering in a new chapter in bilateral relations as both parties embark on the third decade of their strategic partnership.

“Conversations were centered on enhancing the investment framework, including advancements on the Investment Protection and GI (Geographical Indications) Agreement. We also highlighted a reliable and robust investment framework in technology and innovation. Our mutual commitment encompasses collaboration in semiconductors, AI, and high-performance computing,” PM Modi elaborated.

In-depth discussions were also conducted regarding the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) that was announced during the G20 Leaders' Summit in India in September 2023.

The IMEC, composed of two distinct corridors - the eastern corridor linking India to the Gulf region and the northern corridor connecting the Gulf to Europe - aims to enhance efficiency, minimize costs, secure regional supply chains, improve trade accessibility, boost economic cooperation, create jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a transformative integration of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East (West Asia).

“I am confident that IMEC will act as a catalyst for global commerce, sustainable development, and prosperity. Our expanding cooperation on defense and security matters signifies mutual trust. We will bolster collaboration on cybersecurity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism,” stated Prime Minister Modi.

Stressing the significance of peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, PM Modi welcomed the EU's decision to engage in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, emphasizing that both sides will work together on trilateral development projects to promote sustainable and inclusive development in the Indo-Pacific and Africa.

“Our increasing cooperation on defense and security issues is a testament to mutual trust. We will advance cooperation on cybersecurity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism. Both parties acknowledge the importance of peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. We welcome the EU's decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative,” the PM stated.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for hosting the European Union College of Commissioners, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, remarked that the delegation's visit symbolizes the EU's deep appreciation for its partnership with India.

“Dear Narendra Modi, thank you immensely for hosting us in New Delhi. The EU Commission's visit signifies our appreciation for our partnership with India, and I treasure our personal friendship,” Von der Leyen shared on X after her meeting with PM Modi at the Hyderabad House.

“As we embark on the third decade of the EU-India strategic partnership, one thing is evident. The best is yet to come. Together, we can shape the future and become one of the defining partnerships of this century,” the EU chief added.

Previously, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, along with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in the second India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting, which reviewed the substantial progress made in digital partnership, clean and green energy initiatives, and trade, investments, and resilient supply chains.

“We exchanged views on new opportunities in semiconductors, AI, 6G, EVs, Green Hydrogen, and a mutually advantageous trade regime. I am confident that today's discussions will lead to new economic, trade, and tech connections,” expressed EAM Jaishankar.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the meetings at the leadership level, the TTC meeting, and the bilateral discussions among ministers and EU Commissioners will further intensify and diversify India-EU engagement, particularly in trade and investments, resilient supply chains, digital technologies, AI, semiconductors, green hydrogen, clean energy, sustainable urbanization, water management, and defense and space sectors.