On Wednesday, European Union President Ursula von der Leyen called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend her warm wishes on his 75th birthday.
The call coincided with the European Commission and the High Representative adopting a Joint Communication outlining a ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’ to deepen and better coordinate bilateral cooperation.
In response, PM Modi thanked von der Leyen and expressed India’s readiness to elevate its relationship with the EU. He welcomed the new Strategic EU-India Agenda and highlighted India’s commitment to concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations by year-end.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Always a pleasure to speak to President Ursula von der Leyen. Thank you for your warm birthday greetings. Delighted to know about the ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’ adopted today. India is ready to take the India-EU relationship to the next level. It is our shared commitment, shared goal, and shared responsibility. We remain committed to an early and peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.”
During the phone call, the leaders discussed regional and global issues, including the Ukraine conflict.
PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to an early and peaceful resolution and extended an invitation for the next India-EU Summit to be hosted in India next year.
President von der Leyen emphasised that the new EU strategy aims to advance trade, investment, talent mobility, and industrial cooperation in defence.
She stated, “Europe is already India’s biggest trading partner, and we are committed to finalising our Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. We are ready to invest in our shared future with India.”
The Joint Communication identifies five strategic areas, including security and defence, Indo-Pacific cooperation, cyber defence, crisis management, and maritime security.
It also prioritises strengthening regional connectivity, particularly through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Additionally, it focuses on fostering economic cooperation through emerging technologies, supply chains, and the Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
The agenda proposes deepening tech cooperation through EU-India startup partnerships. It also includes participation in Horizon Europe and renewable energy initiatives like green hydrogen.
It also promotes collaboration in food security, health, climate, and disaster resilience. The EU and India plan to establish frameworks for mobility covering study, work, and research to enhance people-to-people ties and talent exchange.
The leaders reaffirmed their goal to boost EU-India cooperation in strategy, economy, and technology, unlocking trade, innovation, and security potential.
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