India–EU Engagement Deepens As PM Modi Holds Talks With European Leadership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday, marking an important moment in the deepening engagement between India and the European Union.

After the meeting, Antonio Costa shared a message on social media, “Thank you for your warm welcome, dear Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Looking forward to a fruitful Summit and a stronger partnership between the European Union and India, based on shared values and heightened ambition.”

“Today is about delivering tangible benefits for our citizens, working together towards our shared prosperity and security, and showing leadership on global issues to shape a resilient multipolar global order,” Antonio Costa added.

Ursula von der Leyen also reflected positively on the discussions, stating that India and Europe were entering a historic phase in their relationship.

“We have created a free trade zone of two billion people, with both sides set to benefit. This is only the beginning. We will grow our strategic relationship to be even stronger,” she noted.

Earlier in the day, the two European leaders visited Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

“A Shared Commitment to Peace. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Mahatma’s enduring ideals of peace and non-violence continue to inspire humanity across the world,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

Trade at the Centre of Discussions

Later on Tuesday, Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen are scheduled to represent the European Union at the 16th India-EU Summit, which will be hosted by Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi.

Speaking earlier at the India Energy Week 2026, the Prime Minister drew attention to a breakthrough in India-EU relations, pointing to the near conclusion of a significant economic agreement.

PM Modi described the proposed free trade pact as, “The world is talking about this as the ‘Mother of All Deals’. This pact has brought tremendous opportunities for India’s 140 crore people and the crores of people in European countries.”

“This agreement not only strengthens trade but also reinforces our shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Additionally, the free trade agreement with the EU will complement the agreements with Britain and EFTA as well. This will strengthen both trade and global supply chains. I congratulate the youth of India and all the country’s citizens for this,” he added.

On Monday, Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen attended India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guests.

The MEA noted, “In a first, a contingent consisting of the EU Military Staff and the EU Naval Operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES participated in the Republic Day Parade.”

Also Read: India Energy Week 2026: PM Modi Invites Global Investors To Oil & Gas Opportunities