EU Council President calls India “one of EU’s main global partners” in conversation with PM Modi

European Council President Antonio Costa held a telephonic discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing India as one of the European Union’s (EU) primary global partners. The conversation, held on Tuesday, emphasized strengthening ties and formulating a new strategic agenda to bolster cooperation between the two sides.

Recalling his earlier interaction with PM Modi during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in 2017, Costa expressed enthusiasm for the forthcoming EU-India Summit, slated to take place later this year. In a statement shared on X, Costa said, “It was a pleasure to talk again with my long-time friend, India PM @narendramodi. We’ve known each other since 2017 when he invited me to Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. #India is one of our main global partners. It is time to boost our relations and engage in a new strategic agenda. Looking forward to the EU-India Summit later this year.”

Costa also highlighted shared concerns, including security, international law, and ways to address geopolitical challenges in both Europe and Asia, underscoring the importance of collaboration in these areas.

Prime Minister Modi, in his response, referred to India and the EU as “natural partners” and reaffirmed India’s commitment to further strengthen the strategic partnership. He highlighted key areas of collaboration, including technology, green energy, digital space, trade, and investments. “Pleased to speak with President Antonio Costa. India and the EU are natural partners. We are committed to working closely together to further strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership, including in the areas of technology, green energy, digital space, trade and investments,” PM Modi posted on X.

Adding to the discussion, Herve Delphin, Ambassador of the EU delegation to India, added the mutual ambition to develop a joint strategic agenda and confirmed that the EU-India Summit is planned for 2025. “Important call today between leaders @eucopresident Antonio Costa and PM @narendramodi, confirming the mutual EU-India ambition to develop together a new joint strategic agenda and hold an EU-India Summit in 2025 – hosted by India,” Delphin said on X.

India and the EU share an important relationship rooted in shared values such as democracy, rule of law, and multilateralism. Their partnership, established in the early 1960s with India’s diplomatic engagement with the European Economic Community in 1962, encompasses a wide range of areas including trade, investment, climate change, technology, connectivity, and agriculture.