New Delhi, Jan 24: Kaja Kallas, the EU Vice-President, arrived in India on Saturday for her first official visit to the country.
Welcoming her, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that her visit builds on the momentum of regular high-level engagements and comes at an opportune moment to further strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
“A warm welcome to EU HRVP @kajakallas on her first official visit to India as the EU High Representative/Vice-President. The visit comes at an opportune moment to further strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership, building on the momentum of regular high-level engagements,” he wrote.
Speaking in the European Parliament on Thursday, Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said, “Europe is ready to deliver on a powerful new agenda with India. Today, the EU agreed to move forward with the signature of a new Security and Defence Partnership, which will expand our cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber defence. I look forward to signing it next week during the EU-India Summit in New Delhi.”
The 16th EU-India Summit, to be held in New Delhi, is expected to adopt a new comprehensive strategic agenda, further deepening cooperation between the two sides.
Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU is close to finalising a Free Trade Agreement with India, describing it as “the mother of all deals.” Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, she emphasized Europe’s intent to expand trade and international cooperation, noting the proposed deal could create a market of 2 billion people, accounting for nearly a quarter of global GDP.
Von der Leyen will travel to India next weekend to advance the Free Trade Agreement and strengthen economic ties with India, while European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and von der Leyen will undertake a three-day State Visit from January 25 to 27. They will serve as Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations and co-chair the 16th EU-India Summit on January 27.
During the visit, the leaders will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An India-EU Business Forum is also expected on the sidelines of the summit.
India and the EU have been strategic partners since 2004. The 15th India-EU Summit was held virtually on July 15, 2020. The participation of EU leaders as Chief Guests at Republic Day and at the 16th EU-India Summit is expected to further strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership and enhance cooperation in key areas of mutual interest.
The visit comes amid advanced-stage negotiations between India and the EU for a Free Trade Agreement, expected to be completed around the time of the trip. (Agencies)
