New Delhi witnessed a significant diplomatic milestone as European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, landed in the national capital on Saturday for her inaugural official visit to India in her current role. The Ministry of External Affairs hailed the timing of the trip as ideal for bolstering the India-EU strategic partnership amid ongoing high-level dialogues.
Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced the arrival via a post on X, emphasizing its importance for bilateral ties. ‘We extend a warm welcome to EU HRVP Kaja Kallas on her first official visit to India as EU High Representative/Vice-President,’ Jaiswal stated. ‘This visit comes at the right moment to further strengthen our strategic partnership and accelerate the momentum of regular high-level engagements.’
The visit follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent interaction with EU member states’ ambassadors in New Delhi on Thursday. Discussions centered on the volatile global landscape marked by instability and rapid shifts, according to the External Affairs Ministry.
Post-meeting, Jaishankar shared on X: ‘Delighted to meet ambassadors from EU countries today. Discussed the current global situation, where volatility and instability have become the new normal.’ He strongly advocated for deeper India-EU collaboration in key areas that could stabilize the world. Robust ties, he noted, would safeguard the global economy through resilient supply chains.
This engagement precedes state visits by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who will grace India’s 77th Republic Day as chief guests on January 26. Their presence marks a pivotal moment in India-EU relations.
Jaishankar expressed anticipation for hosting the EU leaders, invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During their stay, Costa and von der Leyen will co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation across trade, security, and sustainability.