India and the European Union (EU) held a bilateral cluster meeting in New Delhi on Friday, focusing on key issues including connectivity, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), green and clean energy, mobility and talent, security, the Mediterranean region, and the EU’s expansion.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, along with Union Ministers Kirti Vardhan Singh and Nityanand Rai, represented India at the meeting. The EU delegation included Jozef Sikela, Commissioner for International Partnerships; Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement; Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration; and Dubravka Suica, Commissioner for Mediterranean and Demography.
Jaishankar shared an update on X, saying that the talks addressed connectivity, economic partnerships, and security concerns.
A day earlier, Jaishankar met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and acknowledged her commitment to strengthening India’s engagement with Europe. He emphasized the importance of deeper India-EU ties, highlighting the wide-ranging participation of Indian ministers and EU commissioners during the visit.
The European Commission President arrived in India for a two-day bilateral visit, accompanied by members of the European College of Commissioners. She was received at the airport by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel.
Upon her arrival, von der Leyen posted on X, stating that India is a trusted friend and strategic ally for Europe, and expressed her intention to discuss ways to elevate the India-EU strategic partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This marks von der Leyen’s third visit to India, following her bilateral visit in April 2022 and her participation in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023. Over the years, she and Prime Minister Modi have held regular meetings on the sidelines of various multilateral summits.
