Introduction
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with a delegation of EU Commissioners, is set to visit India on February 27-28, 2025. The visit aims to bolster bilateral ties between India and the European Union, focusing on trade, climate cooperation, digital transformation, and strategic security issues.
Key Objectives of the Visit
According to an official statement, the visit is expected to:
- Strengthen India-EU strategic relations, leveraging common interests in trade, technology, and security.
- Advance negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has been under discussion for years.
- Enhance cooperation on climate action, renewable energy, and sustainability.
- Discuss digital innovation and emerging technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Agenda and High-Level Meetings
- February 27: Ursula von der Leyen is expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss diplomatic and economic collaborations.
- February 28: Meetings with key Indian ministers and business leaders to explore investment opportunities and strategic partnerships.
- Discussions will also cover regional and global challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Indo-Pacific security, and counterterrorism efforts.
Growing India-EU Relations
- The EU is India’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching over $120 billion in 2023.
- The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), launched in 2023, plays a key role in enhancing cooperation in digital transformation and economic growth.
- Both sides have been working closely on climate finance, with EU investments in India’s renewable energy sector increasing significantly.
Conclusion
This high-profile visit marks an important step in deepening India-EU relations across multiple sectors. With ongoing negotiations for the FTA and enhanced collaboration in trade, technology, and sustainability, the visit could pave the way for stronger economic and strategic ties between the two global partners.
