India and EU Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Focus on AI and Indo-Pacific Security
India and EU Strengthen Strategic Ties as Ursula von der Leyen Leads High-Level Delegation to Delhi
New Delhi, February 27, 2025 – India and the European Union (EU) are set to bolster their strategic partnership with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration and Indo-Pacific security. This development comes as a high-level EU delegation, led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU College of Commissioners, arrived in New Delhi for a two-day official visit.
A Historic Visit to Strengthen India-EU Ties
This visit marks a significant milestone in India-EU relations as it is the first time the EU College of Commissioners has traveled collectively to India. Additionally, it is one of their first major international visits since taking office in December 2024 following the European parliamentary elections held in June 2024.
Upon arrival, President von der Leyen expressed her commitment to enhancing cooperation between the EU and India. “Touchdown in Delhi with my team of Commissioners. In an era of conflicts and intense competition, you need trusted friends. For Europe, India is such a friend and a strategic ally. I’ll discuss with Narendra Modi how to take our strategic partnership to the next level,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Key Areas of Cooperation: AI and Indo-Pacific Security
According to sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), discussions during this visit will center on advancing AI collaboration at both bilateral and EU levels. The partnership is expected to focus on responsible AI development, ethical governance, and innovation-driven growth.
Additionally, Indo-Pacific security will be a crucial topic of deliberation. As India and the EU share common concerns over regional stability, maritime security, and economic cooperation, this visit provides an opportunity to align their strategies in the region.
High-Level Meetings and Trade Talks
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold delegation-level talks with President von der Leyen. The second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) will also take place during the visit, where discussions will cover trade, digital transformation, and green energy cooperation.
Furthermore, bilateral ministerial meetings between the European Commissioners and their Indian counterparts will be held to strengthen ties in key areas such as technology, climate action, healthcare, and trade.
A Relationship Rooted in Two Decades of Strategic Partnership
India and the European Union have shared a strategic partnership since 2004, which has progressively expanded across diverse sectors, including trade, digital economy, sustainable development, and defense cooperation. With this visit marking the beginning of the third decade of India-EU strategic relations, both sides are committed to deepening their engagement through shared values and mutual interests.
Ahead of the visit, the MEA released a statement underscoring the significance of this engagement:
“As the two sides enter the third decade of the strategic partnership, the visit of President von der Leyen and the EU College of Commissioners will pave the way for further strengthening of bilateral relations based on growing convergences.”
Special Welcome for EU Delegation
Upon her arrival in New Delhi, Ursula von der Leyen was warmly received at the airport by Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare. The gesture highlights India’s commitment to reinforcing diplomatic ties with the EU leadership.
Looking Ahead: A Strengthened Strategic Partnership
The outcomes of this high-profile visit are expected to shape the future of India-EU cooperation across multiple domains. With a shared vision for a secure and technology-driven world, India and the European Union are poised to take their partnership to new heights in the coming years.
As global geopolitical dynamics evolve, this visit reinforces the EU’s recognition of India as a “trusted friend and strategic ally.” The next phase of India-EU relations will likely focus on greater economic integration, enhanced digital collaborations, and stronger security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
