New Delhi, January 25 (ANI) — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday held talks in Delhi with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ahead of the upcoming EU-India Summit.
Jaishankar expressed hope that the leaders’ discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would mark the beginning of a new chapter in India–European Union relations.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Delighted to welcome President of the EU Council Antonio Costa and President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen to India. A great privilege to have them as chief guests for the 77th Republic Day celebrations. Confident that their upcoming discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will herald a new chapter in India–European Union relations.”
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the India-EU partnership as one based on trust and reliability as the two EU leaders arrived in India. Costa and von der Leyen were received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, and Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, and were accorded a guard of honor.
In a post on X, Jaiswal said, “India-EU: A partnership of trust and reliability. A cordial welcome to the President of the European Council Antonio Costa as he arrives in New Delhi for a state visit to India. Received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, and Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada.”
He added that President Antonio Costa and President Ursula von der Leyen were accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honor, noting that both leaders are the chief guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations. He said the visit is expected to further deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
Costa also expressed his happiness upon arriving in India. In a post on X, he said, “Honored to arrive in New Delhi for the 16th EU-India Summit, on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day. Celebrating a strong and growing EU-India partnership—from trade and security to the clean transition and vibrant people-to-people connections.”
Costa and von der Leyen will represent the European Union at the 16th EU-India Summit in Delhi, which will be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a statement from the European Council.
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