European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be in India from February 27-28, accompanied by 27 European Commissioners representing the EU’s 27 member states. This will mark the first-ever collective visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two entities.
The visit is notable not only for its historic nature but also due to its timing. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this will be among the first such visits since the European parliamentary elections held in June 2024 and the commencement of the new European Commission mandate in December 2024.
Describing the visit as “momentous,” the EU’s envoy to India, Hervé Delphin, said on social media platform X that it underscored the importance both the EU and India place on enhancing their strategic partnership. “The visit speaks for itself about the importance both the EU and India attach to taking their strategic partnership to a new level,” Delphin wrote.
During her visit, President von der Leyen will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit will also feature the second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council and bilateral ministerial meetings between European Commissioners and their Indian counterparts.
The visit, initially scheduled for an earlier date, has taken on added significance due to the recent geopolitical shifts. With US-Russia talks in Riyadh focusing on the Ukraine war and Europe being excluded from the negotiations, there is a heightened sense of urgency and purpose surrounding the visit. Sources indicated that the changing stance of US President Donald Trump, who is now engaging directly with Russia, presents new challenges for Europe. These shifts are likely to be a key topic in discussions between PM Modi and von der Leyen.
India, which has adopted a nuanced position on the war, has moved from labeling the situation as a conflict between two parties to recognizing the broader concerns of all parties involved. The evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly the US-Russia talks and their implications for the US-Europe relationship, is central to India’s diplomatic strategy.
Sources revealed that the shifting dynamics are particularly significant as India navigates these changes and seeks diplomatic space. India’s stance at the Swiss peace conference, where it declined to sign the joint communique due to Russia’s absence, could shape future negotiations, especially if Russia is included in talks without Ukraine’s participation.
The visit marks von der Leyen’s third trip to India, following a bilateral visit in April 2022 and her participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023. Discussions are also expected to touch on areas of technological collaboration, including AI, which was a key focus of the AI Action summit in Paris earlier this month, attended by both Modi and von der Leyen.
Since the establishment of the strategic partnership in 2004, India and the EU have continued to build stronger ties.
(With inputs from Indian Express)