President of European Commission Arrives for FTA, Republic Day Event

“Defining the next phase of the India-EU Strategic partnership. A warm welcome to the State Visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to India… India and the EU, the world’s two largest democracies, share a partnership based on mutual trust and common values,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs. He was received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada; and Electronics and Information Technology.

Ahead of her visit, Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union was close to finalizing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, describing it as an agreement that some describe as the mother of all agreements. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ursula von der Leyen underlined Europe’s determination to expand global trade and strengthen 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.

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, is also making her first official visit to India as EU High Representative/Vice-President. Jaiswal said the visit comes at an opportune time to further strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership and build on the momentum of regular high-level engagements. The visit of EU teams will focus on strengthening economic ties and deepening cooperation between Europe and India.