Have the article read by OpenAI (Beta). Please note that AI translations may take some time to process.New Dehli/Brussels (dpa) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday in an attempt to revive and expand economic ties.
The return of Donald Trump to the White House, tensions with China and economic sanctions on Russia have prompted Brussels to push for deeper trading ties with other economies.
“The [European Commission’s] visit symbolises how much we value our partnership with India. And how much I value our personal friendship,” von der Leyen wrote on social media platform X about her meeting with Modi.
Von der Leyen travelled together with several of her EU commissioners, who met members of the Indian government.
The talks were expected to focus on trade and economic policy issues, technology cooperation, international security and action on climate change.
“This world is fraught with danger. But I believe this modern version of great power competition is an opportunity for Europe and India to reimagine their partnership,” von der Leyen said on Friday ahead of her meeting with Modi.
“We both stand to lose from a world of spheres of influence and isolationism. And we both stand to gain from a world of cooperation and working together,” she added.
“This is why the EU and India have the potential to be one of the defining partnerships of this century.”
Deepening trade relations between the EU and India however has proved difficult in the past. Negotiations between the two sides on a free trade agreement were resumed three years ago after a long break. The next round is planned for March in Brussels. (28 February)
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