PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in Delhi | India News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen at Hyderabad House in Delhi.
The two leaders reviewed the progress of ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement and discuss strategies to enhance trade and investment relations.
During the joint press statement with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, PM Modi said, “…This is one of the early visits of the (European) Commission’s new tenure. Over two decades of strategic partnership between India and the EU is natural and organic, and in its foundation are trust and democratic values … We have had sincere and meaningful discussions, yesterday on various issues. We have asked our teams to work on a mutually benefit Free Trade Agreement and to realise it by the end of this year.”
Von der Leyen, who landed in the capital on Thursday, is accompanied by the EU College of Commissioners. During her visit, she participated in the second bilateral ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, along with bilateral ministerial discussions.
Earlier in the day, India and the EU held a bilateral cluster meeting in New Delhi, discussing key issues such as connectivity, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), clean and green energy, mobility and talent, security, the Mediterranean region, and the European Union’s expansion.
In a post on X, Jaishankar shared, “Glad to take part in the India-EU bilateral cluster meeting this morning with Commissioners @JozefSikela, @dubravkasuica, @MartaKosEU, @magnusbrunner from @EU_Commission, along with my colleagues @KVSinghMPGonda & @nityanandraibjp.”
Earlier today, while addressing a think tank, von der Leyen said, “A free trade agreement between the EU and India would be the largest deal of its kind globally. I know it won’t be easy, but timing and determination matter. This partnership is crucial for both of us right now. That’s why Prime Minister Modi and I have agreed to push for its completion this year. You have my full commitment to making it happen.”
This is von der Leyen’s third visit to India. She previously visited in April 2022 for a bilateral meeting and in September 2023 for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. Over the years, PM Modi and von der Leyen have met regularly at multilateral events, underlining the growing diplomatic engagement between India and the EU.