New Delhi, 25 April 2022
“Today, we are taking steps to deepen our strategic ties with India – on trade, trusted-technology and security, notably in respect of challenges posed by rival governance models. This will help us diversify and secure our supply chains, boost economic opportunities for our businesses, and bring significant benefits to our citizens”, President von der Leyen said, noting that the common objective is to conclude all three agreements swiftly.
India is a key strategic partner for the European Union. The EU is India’s third largest trading partner and second largest export destination. It is also one of the largest investors in India, but as President von der Leyen pointed out, there remains a lot of untapped potential.
The EU’s Global Gateway strategy opens new opportunities for cooperation and investments in secure and sustainable infrastructure in India and in the region.
Giventheir size, economic performance and energy needs, India and the European Union are key in the transition to a more sustainable and green future. President von der Leyen proposed stepping up cooperation to reach ambitious decarbonisation targets, with more intense joint efforts on solar energy and further the cooperation on green hydrogen in particular.
President von der Leyen visited the headquarters of International Solar Alliance, one of India’s flagship initiatives to fight the climate change, and met with CEOs from Indian and European energy companies.
She said: “We are closely aligned with India in the fight against climate change. The solar energy will play a decisive role to reach our objectives on the way to net zero, both in India and in Europe. Investment here also becomes an investment in our security. Every kilowatt we generate from solar, wind, hydropower or biomass, reduces our dependency on fossil fuels from abroad.”
The President also visited the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), where she met young students and climate activists and visited the TERI-Deakin Nano-Biotechnology Centre, and she met Indian women leaders and entrepreneurs.
Geopolitical conference Raisina Dialogue
President von der Leyen delivered the opening speech* at this year’s edition of the geopolitical conference Raisina Dialogue, where she addressed current developments, from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, clean energy and digital transitions, China and in particular the Russian aggression against Ukraine and its global impact.
She said: “The outcome of Putin’s war will not only determine the future of Europe but also deeply affect the Indo-Pacific region and the rest of the world. For the Indo-Pacific it is as important as for Europe that borders are respected. And that spheres of influence are rejected. We want a positive vision for a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
For More Information
- Opening speech by President von der Leyen at the Raisina Dialogue*
- EU-India: Joint press release on launching the Trade and Technology Council
- Statement by President von der Leyen with Indian Prime Minister Modi
- Statement on the talks between Björn Seibert, Head of Cabinet of President von der Leyen, and members of the Indian government
- Introduction remarks by President von der Leyen at The Energy and Resources Institute
- Speech by President von der Leyen at the International Solar Alliance
- Factsheet: EU-India Relations
- Factsheet: EU-India Connectivity Partnership
President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Modi agree to launch EU-India Trade and Technology Council
Today, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India agreed to launch the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, as a concrete effort to strengthen the decades-long EU-India partnership. The Trade and Technology Council will steer and coordinate technical and operational work on trade, trusted technology and security.
President von der Leyen said: “For the European Union, the partnership with India is one of our most important relationships for the coming decade and strengthening this partnership is a priority. The EU has only one TTC so far – with the US, and it is telling that we now establish the second one with India. India is technologically a powerhouse, and in the trade sector we need to unleash an enormous amount of untapped potential. I am glad that we are starting negotiations towards comprehensive trade and investment agreements.”
You will find online the joint press release, as well as the full statement by President von der Leyen on the occasion of her meeting with Prime Minister Modi.
Joint press release on launching the Trade and Technology Council
New Delhi, 25 April 2022
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 European Union and India are bound by decades of close partnership and are determined to increase joint efforts to tackle current challenges and address geopolitical circumstances. The decision to set up a Trade and Technology Council will be the first for India with any of its partners and second for the European Union following the first one it has set up with the US. 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.