EU Leaders' Visit to India: FTA and Indo-Pacific on Agenda

Synopsis

The upcoming visit of EU leaders to India will focus on the Free Trade Agreement, enhancing India's role in the Indo-Pacific, and strengthening strategic partnerships in key areas. This visit underscores the commitment of both parties to democracy and multilateralism.

Key Takeaways

EU President Ursula von der Leyen is visiting India.
Key topics include the Free Trade Agreement and Indo-Pacific strategy.
This is the first joint visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India.
Strengthening ties in trade and technology is a priority.
EU and India emphasize their commitment to democracy and global cooperation.

Brussels, Feb 26 (NationPress) As the prominent leadership of the European Union (EU) prepares to visit India on Thursday, key discussions will include the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the European Union Trade and Technology Council, and India's enhanced role in the Indo-Pacific.

Prior to the visit, EU President Ursula von der Leyen has revealed a new strategic agenda focused on India. The EU aims to broaden its network of essential partners amidst uncertainties in transatlantic relations.

The EU President, along with the European Union College of Commissioners, will be in India from February 27 to February 28. This marks the first occasion that the EU College of Commissioners visits India together.

During the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to engage in high-level talks with the EU President, as per the report from the Ministry of External Affairs.

The visit will also feature the second ministerial meeting of the India–European Union (EU) Trade and Technology Council along with bilateral meetings between European Commissioners and their Indian counterparts, as stated by the MEA.

This unprecedented visit, among the first by the EU College of Commissioners in the early phase of their new mandate, underscores the significant progress in EU-India relations, added the MEA statement.

The visit follows President von der Leyen's announcement of a new strategic agenda with India, which is set to be unveiled at the EU-India Summit this year. The trip highlights the necessity of fortifying connections in critical areas essential for the prosperity and security of both Europe and India.

Previously, the EU President stated, "In this era of intense geostrategic competition, Europe stands for openness, partnership, and outreach. We seek to deepen ties with one of our most trusted friends and allies -- India."

"Europe and India are like-minded partners, committed to the belief that democracy serves the people best. Therefore, one of the first visits of the new Commission is to India. We are dedicated to enhancing our strategic partnership to promote trade, economic security, and resilient supply chains, alongside a unified tech agenda and strengthened security and defense cooperation," she further added.

As the largest democracies globally, the EU and India share a commitment to a rules-based global order, effective multilateralism, and sustainable development.

The collaboration between the EU and India from 2020 to 2025 is guided by the EU-India Strategic Partnership Roadmap, the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and the Global Gateway Strategy, as reported by the European Commission.

Since becoming strategic partners in 2004, the EU and India have seen their bilateral relations expand and deepen across numerous sectors.

As both parties enter the third decade of their strategic partnership, the visit of President von der Leyen and the EU College of Commissioners is set to lay the groundwork for further enhancing bilateral ties based on increased convergences, per the MEA.