New Delhi witnessed a pivotal moment in international diplomacy as European Council President Antonio Costa underscored the shared responsibility of India and the European Union in upholding international law centered on the UN Charter. Speaking at a joint press conference alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Costa highlighted the collaborative efforts to strengthen this commitment.
As two of the world’s largest democracies and champions of multilateralism, India and the EU bear a joint obligation to preserve the rule of law globally, Costa asserted. The leaders paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi earlier in the day, with Costa invoking the icon’s timeless words: peace emerges not from clashing arms but from the just conduct of unarmed nations even in adversity.
Costa, who traces his roots to Goa through his father’s family, described the India-EU partnership as personally significant. ‘I am President of the European Council, but also an Overseas Citizen of India. My Goan heritage fills me with pride, making these ties deeply personal,’ he shared.
The summit reaffirmed support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Costa expressed confidence in Prime Minister Modi’s role in fostering dialogue and diplomacy to create conducive conditions for peace. ‘Ukraine has shown readiness for tough compromises. We trust you, Prime Minister, to build peace through conversation,’ he said.
Gratitude poured from Costa for the invitation to India’s Republic Day as chief guest. He lauded the celebrations as a stunning display of India’s capabilities and diversity. This visit marks the dawn of a new chapter in trade, security, and people-to-people ties.
In a multipolar world, India and the EU are expanding shared prosperity zones, but emphasized that prosperity hinges on security. They are bolstering cooperation against challenges in the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and beyond, establishing a new level of strategic trust. A landmark comprehensive defense and security framework was unveiled, paving the way for more ambitious collaborations ahead.