PM Modi meets European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen: India, EU to collaborate on trade, tech and security

Ursula von der Leyen, on the other hand, called India “a pillar of certainty in an increasingly uncertain world”. “Authoritarian states are getting bolder, ignoring borders, threatening peace at sea, now is the time to step up our security and defence cooperation,” she said, without naming any countries.

The two sides have also agreed to cooperate on three main pillars: trade, technology and security. In that context, the EU will also allow greater mobility for India’s skilled workforce as well as students, as per von der Leyen.

PM Modi added that during the two-day high-profile visit, they have held almost 20 ministerial-level meetings of different sectors. “Sincere and meaningful discussions were held on various regional and global matters. Many important decisions have been taken to elevate and accelerate our partnership,” Modi said.

To strengthen the investment framework, there has also been talk of moving forward on investment protection and GI Agreement, he said. In the field of technology and innovation, a trusted and secure value chain is our common priority, PM Modi added, underlining various points of collaboration. “We have also agreed on increasing cooperation in semiconductors, AI, high performance computing and 6G. We have also decided to initiate a Space Dialogue,” he noted.

“Both sides agree on the importance of peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. We welcome the decision of the EU to join the Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative. We will work together on Triangular Development projects for sustainable and inclusive development in the Indo-Pacific region and Africa,” Modi added.

Steps will be taken to take forward the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, PM Modi said about the initiative launched in New Delhi in 2023 during India’s G20 presidency.

It is the first-ever visit of the EU’s College of Commissioners — a member from each of the EU’s 27 member countries — to India. The visit comes at a time when Europe-US ties are facing unprecedented strain.