Sat Feb 22 10:17:21 UTC 2025: **EU-India Ties Strengthen as Von der Leyen Visits New Delhi**

NEW DELHI, INDIA – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the entire College of Commissioners will visit India on February 27 and 28, marking a significant strengthening of bilateral relations, both governments announced. The visit, early in the Commission’s new term, follows a period of geopolitical upheaval in Europe stemming from shifts in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump.

The high-level delegation’s visit aims to further bolster cooperation in trade, technology, economic security, and defense. A plenary session co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President von der Leyen will highlight key discussions, followed by individual meetings between Commissioners and their Indian counterparts. Bilateral talks between Modi and von der Leyen will conclude with a press point.

The second Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting will also take place during the visit. The TTC, a platform exclusive to EU dialogues with India and the U.S., will focus on the digital economy, clean technology, trade, and investment.

The EU, India’s largest trading partner in goods (€124 billion in 2023), anticipates further growth in this relationship. The next round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) is scheduled for March 10-15 in Brussels. President von der Leyen emphasized the shared democratic values underpinning the strengthening partnership between Europe and India.

However, human rights organizations have urged President von der Leyen to address concerns about laws such as the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), internet shutdowns, and allegations of human rights abuses during her visit.

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