The European Union is a top trading partner of India and with India’s economy en route to become the third largest in the world, a deeper European engagement is crucial. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen addressed the session ‘The Consequential Partnership: Reimagining and realigning EU and India ties for today's world.’ 

She stated “In many ways, the EU and India are uniquely placed to respond to this challenge together. India is the largest democracy and soon to be in the top 4 of the world's largest economies. It is the leading voice of the Global South. Europe is a unique cross-border democracy and open economy. The largest trading partner for some 80 countries around the world. But this partnership makes sense not only because of our shared values or our close ties. Or even because of our respective geographies, demographies or economies. But it is because our interests in this hyper-competitive world align more often than not. 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. Because we can offer each other distinctive alternatives and tools to make ourselves stronger, more secure and more sovereign in today's world. The kind of offer that cannot really be replicated by others.” 

Ms. Leyen said “Europe is ready to take greater responsibility for security and defence. At the same time we want to strengthen security cooperation with trusted partners. That’s why we’re exploring a future Security & Defence Partnership with India.” 

Source: MEAIndia

Her visit aims at bolstering cooperation between India and the EU across key sectors, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), trade, investment, defence and security amid increasing global concerns over US President Donald Trump's economic policies. Ms. Leyen’s visit also aims at finalising the broad contours of a new strategic agenda that is expected to be unveiled at the next India-EU summit scheduled to be held in the second half of this year in India. 

Von der Leyen held extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to firm up a new strategic agenda to shore up cooperation in several critical areas. The two leaders engaged in negotiations for an ambitious India-EU free trade deal.