New Delhi, Feb 28 (UNI) European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen today said that like the alignment of planets in the solar system, Europe and India are aligned and have decided to work together on enhancing economic growth, on exploring a common tech agenda, and for deeper cooperation in security and defence, as she held talks with PM Narendra Modi here.
In her media statement, the EU chief referred often to PM Modi as “dear Narendra”, signalling the warmth of friendship between the two leaders.
Referring to the rare alignment of seven planets in the solar system, she said this celestial event signals transformation and growth. “It is exactly the moment we find ourselves in. The planets are aligned – and so are Europe and India.”
The EU chief said the fact that she is visiting India with the whole College of Commissioners, on their first visit outside Europe after they took office in December, shows how much the EU values its partnership with India. “We want to take it to new heights. India is a like-minded friend. We are the two largest democracies in the world. And under your leadership, Prime Minister, it has been thriving. We are bound by shared convictions and values. From resilient supply chains to our shared interest in a free and open Indo-Pacific, we are working together.”
Von Der Leyen said the two sides have agreed to work on a new Strategic Agenda, with three main avenues.
The first is economic growth. “The potential is immense. Europe is already India’s biggest trading partner,” she said, and added that the two leaders have tasked their teams to build on the momentum and finalise the Free Trade Agreement before the end of this year. They have also decided to take the Trade and Technology Council to the next level and connect research, innovation and market uptake, which would include building robust and diverse supply chains in the field of semi-conductors.
The second avenue the two sides agreed to explore is a common tech agenda. On clean tech, they will champion the International Solar Alliance and have agreed to launch a Joint Task Force on Green Hydrogen. In the field of digital technologies, she said that Europe and India by working together can shape a future in which AI is a driver of a positive change in their economies and societies. “The European AI Office and India Al Mission have agreed to deepen cooperation… AI should be at the heart of our Strategic Agenda. The next AI Summit hosted by you, Prime Minister, will take us forward. You can count on the European Union that this Summit is going to be a big success,” she added.
She said the two sides are aiming at the interoperability of their two digital public infrastructures, which are the world’s largest and most advanced. “India’s Aadhaar and the EU digital wallet aim to offer public and private services to nearly two billion citizens. Interoperability of our digital identities will strengthen ties between the EU and India even more,” she added.
“We are committed to strengthen cooperation in semiconductor R&D and manufacturing. We are cooperating in the future of secure telecommunication networks. In particular, our industrial associations have agreed to closely cooperate on 6G,” Von der Leyen stated.
Referring to the gap in skilled workers in Europe, she said, “People are essential for Europe’s competitiveness. Yet, we face a gap. India can help to close it. Let us increase student and skilled worker exchanges. Let us share expertise, talent and experience.”
The third avenue she mentioned is for deeper cooperation in security and defence. “For Europe, India is a pillar of certainty in an increasingly uncertain world. We know that authoritarian states are getting bolder, ignoring borders and threatening peace at sea. Now is the time to step up our security and defence cooperation on land, at sea and in space.”
She said their Cyber dialogue offers a platform for effective cooperation and information exchanges. On Maritime security, she said that ensuring the security of the Indian Ocean is vital, and proposed expanding their joint naval exercises, building on the successful operations in the Gulf of Guinea and the Red Sea.
She also proposed deepening cooperation in protecting the undersea cables that ensure data connectivity between India and the European Union.
“On defence, we see avenues for cooperation. India is looking into diversifying its military supply and access to new capabilities, so does Europe. Both India and the European Union can be partners on this topic,” she added.
“India and the EU are together greater than the sum of our parts. Together, we send a powerful and positive signal to the world. The planets are aligned – and so are Europe and India,” the European Commission President said.
