President of European Commission Arrives for FTA, Republic Day Event
As India and the EU prepare for significant discussions, Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes the nearing finalization of a Free Trade Agreement, highlighting its global importance.
New Delhi: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for talks with the Indian government and to take forward work on the proposed trade agreement between India and the EU, which she has termed as “Mother of all deals”. European Council chief Antonia Costa will reach New Delhi on Sunday. The two leaders will co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. The due are also the chief guests of the Republic Day parade on Monday.
“Charting the next phase of the India–EU Strategic partnership. A warm welcome to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on her State Visit to India… As the world's two largest democracies, India and the EU share a partnership rooted in mutual trust and shared values,” said spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal. She was received by Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry; and Electronics and Information Technology.
Ahead of her visit, Ursula von der Leyen had said the European Union is close to finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, describing it as what some have called the mother of all deals. Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ursula von der Leyen underlined Europe’s commitment to expanding global trade and strengthening international cooperation. Referring to the scale of the proposed agreement, she said there is still work to be done, but the negotiations are nearing a decisive stage.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas is also in India on her first official visit to the country as the EU High Representative/Vice-President. Jaiswal said the visit comes at an opportune moment to further strengthen the India–EU Strategic Partnership, building on the momentum of regular high-level engagements. The visit of the EU teams will focus on strengthening economic ties and deepening cooperation between Europe and India.