New Delhi buzzed with anticipation on Saturday as Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council, touched down in the capital. Welcomed warmly by Union Minister Jitin Prasad, her visit marks a pivotal moment in India-EU relations. Speculation is rife that a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two economic powerhouses could be announced soon, injecting fresh momentum into bilateral ties.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed her arrival, highlighting the strategic partnership grounded in mutual trust and shared democratic values. ‘India and the European Union, as the world’s two largest democracies, share a partnership based on mutual trust and common values,’ the MEA posted on X. Von der Leyen is set to join European Council President Antonio Costa as chief guests for India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, a gesture underscoring deepening collaboration.
Negotiations for the India-EU FTA are in their final stages, with officials describing it as the ‘mother of all agreements.’ This visit comes at a crucial juncture, amid ongoing high-level dialogues aimed at enhancing trade, technology, and security cooperation. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas also arrived on her first official trip to India, further amplifying the diplomatic push.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the timeliness of these visits. ‘This is the right time to further strengthen our strategic partnership,’ he stated on X, noting the regular high-level engagements that will propel relations forward. As India prepares for its Republic Day parade, the presence of these EU leaders signals a new chapter in global partnerships, promising economic benefits and strategic alignment in an increasingly interconnected world.