Fri Feb 28 22:09:17 UTC 2025: ## India and EU Strengthen Ties with Focus on Sustainable Urban Development and Women’s Empowerment

**New Delhi, March 1, 2025** – India and the European Union are strengthening their collaboration in urban development and women’s empowerment, focusing on sustainable and inclusive growth. This follows high-level meetings between Union Ministers and EU Commissioners this week.

Union Minister of Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar met with a delegation of EU officials, including Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto and Commissioner Jozef Síkela. Mr. Khattar emphasized sustainability, resilience, and deeper India-EU ties as key priorities for their joint efforts in creating greener, smarter, and more inclusive cities. The partnership, entering its third decade, aims for significant progress in urban development.

Separately, Union Minister of Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi met with European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in women’s empowerment and child welfare, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to inclusive policies benefiting vulnerable communities. Minister Devi highlighted Indian government initiatives like Mission Shakti and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, while Commissioner Lahbib commended India’s progress and reiterated the EU’s commitment to partnership. The meetings were part of a broader two-day visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her team.

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