PM Modi, European Commission chief hold delegation-level talks in Delhi | VIDEO

New Delhi: Focusing on enhancing strategic ties between India and the European Union, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen led high-level delegation talks at Hyderabad House in the national capital on Friday.

The discussions, attended by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and other key ministers, underscored the growing partnership between the two sides. The two leaders also held a separate bilateral meeting.

A notable highlight was the arrival of the European Commission delegation at the venue on a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus, developed in collaboration with Tata Motors and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), reflecting the shared commitment to green energy initiatives.

Ursula von der Leyen, on a two-day bilateral visit to India, is accompanied by members of the European College of Commissioners. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel received her at the airport. This marks her third visit to India, following a bilateral visit in April 2022 and participation in the G20 Leaders' Summit in September 2023.

Ahead of the talks, the EU chief posted on X that for Europe, India is a friend and a strategic ally. 

Earlier in the day, India and the EU held a bilateral cluster meeting in Delhi, addressing key issues such as connectivity, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), clean energy, mobility, security and the Mediterranean region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with Union Ministers Kirti Vardhan Singh and Nityanand Rai, joined EU Commissioners Jozef Sikela, Marta Kos, Magnus Brunner and Dubravka Suica for the discussions. Jaishankar shared on X that the conversation focused on connectivity and IMEC, green and clean energy, mobility and talent, security, Mediterranean and EU expansion.

ANI

📍Touchdown in Delhi with my team of Commissioners.

In an era of conflicts and intense competition, you need trusted friends.

For Europe, India is such a friend and a strategic ally.

I’ll discuss with @narendramodi how to take our strategic partnership to the next level. pic.twitter.com/I8ypHtwfy8

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 27, 2025