India is Europe’s Trusted Friend: European Commission Prez Ursula
In a significant statement, European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen, who arrived in India on a two-day official visit on Thursday, has described India as Europe’s trusted friend and strategic ally. Her statement comes at a time when the world is witnessing increased tensions and conflicts, making trusted friendships more crucial than ever.
Ursula von der Leyen, who is on a trip to India, tweeted, “In an era of conflicts and intense competition, you need trusted friends. For Europe, India is such a friend and a strategic ally.” Her statement underscores the importance of India-Europe relations and the confidence that the European Commission has in the partnership.
The European Commission President’s visit to India is significant, as it marks a major diplomatic push by the EU to strengthen ties with the world’s largest democracy. The visit is expected to focus on key areas such as trade, technology, and climate change, among others.
During her two-day visit, Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, where the two leaders are expected to discuss ways to further strengthen the India-Europe partnership. The meeting will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views on global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change.
The European Commission President’s statement also highlights the importance of multilateralism and cooperation in the face of global challenges. In an era of increasing tensions and protectionism, the India-Europe partnership offers a beacon of hope for a more cooperative and peaceful world.
The India-Europe partnership has been growing significantly in recent years, with bilateral trade between the two regions increasing by over 15% in 2020. The EU is India’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 15% of India’s total trade. India, in turn, is the EU’s fifth-largest trading partner.
The partnership is not limited to trade alone. India and the EU have also been cooperating closely on issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and security. The two regions have been working together to implement the Paris Agreement and have also been cooperating on counter-terrorism and cybersecurity.
The European Commission President’s visit to India is also significant in the context of the EU’s efforts to strengthen its presence in Asia. The EU has been working to strengthen its relations with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including India, Japan, and South Korea.
India, for its part, has been seeking to strengthen its ties with the EU, particularly in the areas of trade and investment. The country is looking to increase its exports to the EU and is seeking to attract more European investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and services.
In conclusion, Ursula von der Leyen’s statement underscores the importance of the India-Europe partnership and the confidence that the European Commission has in the friendship. The partnership offers a beacon of hope for a more cooperative and peaceful world and is crucial for addressing the global challenges that we face today.
