New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi held talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi on Monday and reviewed progress in the India-EU strategic partnership. President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and her Indian counterpart, in the meeting agreed to launch the EU-India Trade and Technology Council- the first of its kind in the country and the second in the world.
This strategic coordination mechanism will allow both partners to tackle challenges in the areas of trade, trusted technology and security, and thus deepen cooperation in these fields between the EU and India, the EU commission statement read on Monday. Both sides agreed that rapid changes in the geopolitical environment highlight the need for joint in-depth strategic engagement.
The Trade and Technology Council will provide the political steer and the necessary structure to operationalise political decisions, coordinate technical work, and report to the political level to ensure implementation and follow-up in areas that are important for the sustainable progress of European and Indian economies.
"Even as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, we are confident that the shared values and common interests of the EU and India offer a strong basis to intensify mutually beneficial and deeper strategic cooperation", the press statement read. The European Union and India are bound by decades of close partnership.
According to EU Commission, the decision to set up a Trade and Technology Council will be the first for India with any of its partners and its the second for the European Union. EU had its first such tie up with United States. Establishing the EU-India Trade and Technology Council is a key step towards a strengthened strategic partnership for the benefit of all peoples in the EU and India.
Meanwhile, taking to Twitter, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "They reviewed progress in the vibrant India-EU Strategic Partnership and agreed to deepen cooperation in areas of trade, climate, digital technology and people-to-people ties". During his meeting with the EU commission Prez Von Der Leyen, Prime Minister Modi said that India-EU relations are achieving new heights and new areas of cooperation are being created.
"Happy that when our EAM (External Affairs Minster) came, you organised a good meeting & provided an opportunity for discussions. I believe that under your leadership, India-EU relations are achieving new heights & new areas for cooperation are being created. Our cooperation will take our relations forward", PM Modi said.
During the meeting, Von Der Leyen noted that India-EU is a vibrant democracy with, a large economy and has a lot of things in common but at the same time there are many challenges as well . "This year marks the 60th anniversary of the EU-India relationship and I think this relationship is more important today. So, I appreciate this meet", she reiterated. Earlier today, the EU commission chief also called on EAM Jaishankar and discussed the possibilities of taking forward the India EU partnership. Both the leaders also exchanged views on the economic and political implications of the Ukraine conflict.
Read: Looking forward to talks with Modi: European Commission President Leyen
