Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day visit, accompanied by the EU College of Commissioners—a first in the history of India-EU relations. The visit comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“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,” von der Leyen posted on X after landing.

This marks her third visit to India, following a bilateral visit in April 2022 and her participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023. PM Modi and the EU chief have also met regularly during multilateral meetings.

A milestone in India-EU relations

The EU College of Commissioners is visiting India for the first time, marking a significant step in deepening ties. This visit follows the formation of the current European Commission in December 2024, after the European parliamentary elections in June 2024.

Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel received von der Leyen at the airport with a special welcome.

Key meetings and discussions

PM Modi and Ursula von der Leyen will hold delegation-level talks on Friday, focusing on enhancing strategic cooperation. Key engagements during the visit include:

• India–EU Trade and Technology Council ministerial meeting
• Bilateral ministerial meetings between European Commissioners and their Indian counterparts
• Meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar

Strengthening the India-EU partnership

India and the European Union have shared a strategic partnership since 2004, with growing cooperation across multiple sectors. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that the visit will pave the way for deeper ties, building on shared values and mutual interests.