At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, President of the European Commission, H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, will undertake an official visit to India from February 27-28, 2025. She will be accompanied by the European Union (EU) College of Commissioners, marking a historic milestone in India-EU relations.
1️⃣ A Significant Diplomatic Engagement
🔹 This visit will be President von der Leyen’s third trip to India, following her bilateral visit in April 2022 and participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023.
🔹 It will be the first-ever visit of the entire EU College of Commissioners to India, reflecting the growing importance of the India-EU strategic partnership.
🔹 The visit follows the European Parliamentary elections in June 2024, making it one of the first high-level engagements under the new EU Commission’s mandate, which began in December 2024.
2️⃣ High-Level Bilateral Talks & Ministerial Meetings
During her visit, President von der Leyen will engage in a wide-ranging dialogue with Indian leaders on key global and regional issues. The major highlights include:
✅ Delegation-Level Talks: Prime Minister Modi will hold high-level discussions with President von der Leyen on trade, investment, climate action, digital transformation, and global security.
✅ 2nd Ministerial Meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC): The TTC, established to boost economic and technological collaboration, will focus on supply chain resilience, emerging technologies, digital economy, clean energy transition, and sustainable development.
✅ Bilateral Ministerial Meetings: Several European Commissioners will hold one-on-one discussions with their Indian counterparts, covering foreign policy, security, energy, environment, and connectivity.
3️⃣ India-EU: A Robust & Expanding Partnership
🇮🇳🤝🇪🇺 India and the European Union (EU) have been strategic partners since 2004, with ties strengthening across diverse domains. This visit will further enhance cooperation in:
📈 Trade & Economy – The EU is India’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade crossing $120 billion in 2023. Both sides are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Investment Protection Agreement, and Geographical Indications Agreement.
🔋 Green Energy & Climate Action – Collaboration on renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable urban development.
📡 Digital & Technology – Strengthening cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, and 5G/6G technology.
🚆 Connectivity & Infrastructure – Enhancing ties under the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative to boost sustainable infrastructure in India and the Indo-Pacific.
🛡 Security & Defense – Expanding India-EU security cooperation, focusing on counterterrorism, maritime security, and emerging threats in cyberspace.
4️⃣ Strengthening Strategic Ties for the Future
The visit of President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU College of Commissioners will mark a new chapter in India-EU relations, emphasizing shared values of democracy, multilateralism, and sustainable development. As India and the EU enter the third decade of their strategic partnership, this visit is expected to lay the groundwork for deeper economic, technological, and geopolitical collaboration in the years ahead.