NewsGate Press Network

Trade between the European Union nations and India are set to rise.

On Thursday the 27th of February 2025 the External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met the visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

President Ursula is in India on invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with whom she is scheduled to hold formal talks on Friday the 28th of February 2025.

In a social media twitter post on X, Dr Jaishankar said:

“Pleased to call on @EU_Commission President @vonderleyen

today in Delhi.

“Appreciate her thoughts on reenergizing India’s engagement with Europe.

“The wide ranging participation of Indian Ministers and EU College of Commissioners during this visit stands testimony to the importance we place on deeper India-EU ties.”

The European Commission President in a post on X said:

“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 @narendramodi how to take our strategic partnership to the next level.”

The MEA spokesperson said in a post on X that Von der Leyen was received at the airport by Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel.

“Elevating the India-EU multifaceted partnership to new heights.

“President of the @EU_Commission @vonderleyen arrives in New Delhi for the first visit of EU College of Commissioners to India.

“Warmly received with a special welcome by MoS for Health & Family Welfare @AnupriyaSPatel at the airport.”

Later, the European Commission president visited Raj Ghat.

The MEA spokesperson said on X:

“Recalling Mahatma’s message of universal peace.

“President of the @EU_Commission @vonderleyen started her India visit with homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.”

In FY 2023-24, Bilateral trade in Goods with the EU stood at US$135 billion (with exports to EU at US$76 billion and imports from EU at US$59 billion) making EU the largest trading partner for India in goods. Bilateral Trade in Services in 2023 stood at US $53 billion (comprising Indian exports worth US $30 billion and imports worth US $23 billion) registering the highest ever trade in services. EU investments in India are valued at over US$117 billion with around 6,000 European companies present in India. India’s investments in the EU are valued at around US$40 billion.