European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that her first official trip in her new term will be to India
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that her first official trip in her new term will be to India, aimed at strengthening ties with the world’s largest democracy. This announcement was made during her address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where she emphasized the importance of upgrading the strategic partnership with India alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Key Points from Von der Leyen’s Announcement:
Strategic Partnership: Von der Leyen expressed a desire to enhance the EU-India strategic partnership, highlighting India’s significant role in global trade and its success in lifting millions out of poverty.
Trade Agreements: The visit comes at a crucial time as the European Union is actively working to finalize a long-delayed free trade agreement with India. Recent meetings between Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and EU officials have set the stage for these discussions, focusing on various trade-related issues including market access and tariffs.
Global Context: Von der Leyen noted that the world is entering a new era of geopolitical competition, which necessitates stronger cooperation among nations. She mentioned that Europe aims to diversify its supply chains and strengthen partnerships globally, particularly in response to rising global competition and challenges posed by non-market economies.
Expected Timeline: The trip is anticipated to take place in late February or early March 2025, coinciding with an India-EU summit that will address multiple areas of collaboration, including technology and security.
This visit marks a significant step in enhancing EU-India relations, reflecting a broader strategy to engage with key global partners amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.
