India is our Ally! Is the EU Shifting Focus from China to India?
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with von der Leyen on a new strategic partnership roadmap.
In a significant step towards deepening India-European Union relations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi on Thursday (February 27), accompanied by 22 of the 27 members of the EU College of Commissioners. This historic visit, the first of its kind by the EU College to India, underscores the growing importance of India as a "trusted friend" and "strategic ally" amid a global landscape marked by conflicts and competition.
Upon landing, von der Leyen posted on X, stating, "Touchdown in Delhi with my team of Commissioners. In an era of conflicts and intense competition, you need trusted friends. For Europe, India is such a friend and a strategic ally. I’ll discuss with @narendramodi how to take our strategic partnership to the next level." Her remarks set the tone for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties across trade, technology, defense, and security.
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with von der Leyen, focusing on a new "strategic partnership roadmap". The discussions come at a pivotal moment as both India and the EU navigate geopolitical shifts, including uncertainties in trans-Atlantic relations and the need to diversify economic dependencies away from China. Sources indicate that the leaders will review progress on a prospective Free Trade Agreement (FTA), an investment protection pact, and cooperation in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and Indo-Pacific security.
The visit also features the second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), where ministers from both sides will explore collaboration in digital innovation, resilient supply chains, and green technologies. Bilateral trade between India and the EU, already the largest for India in goods, has surged by over 90% in the past decade, and both parties are keen to further boost this economic partnership.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met von der Leyen on Thursday, expressing optimism about the visit. In a post on X, he wrote, "Appreciate her thoughts on re-energising India’s engagement with Europe. The wide-ranging participation of Indian Ministers and EU College of Commissioners during this visit stands testimony to the importance we place on deeper India-EU ties."
The EU delegation’s visit, occurring as the India-EU strategic partnership enters its third decade since its inception in 2004, signals a mutual intent to elevate relations to new heights. Indian officials highlighted that the talks aim to finalise a broad strategic agenda, potentially to be unveiled at the next India-EU summit later this year. Additionally, the EU is eager to expand defense and security cooperation with India, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, reflecting shared interests in maintaining a rules-based global order.
Von der Leyen’s visit began with a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, where she recalled his message of universal peace, a symbolic gesture underscoring the values underpinning this partnership. As India and the EU look to bolster their collaboration, this visit marks a new chapter in their relationship, one rooted in trust and a shared vision for a stable, prosperous future.
