The India-EU Leaders’ Meeting will provide an unprecedented opportunity for discussions with all EU Member States

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday participate in the European Council meeting as a special invitee, at the invitation of the President of the European Council Charles Michel. It will be held in a virtual format.

The India-EU Leaders' Meeting is hosted by Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa. Portugal currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Prime Minister Modi will participate in the meeting along with the Heads of State or Government of all the 27 EU Member States.

The EU+27 have met in this format only once before, with the US President in March this year. The leaders will exchange views on the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare cooperation; fostering sustainable and inclusive growth; strengthening the India-EU economic partnership as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The India-EU Leaders’ Meeting is an unprecedented opportunity for discussions with all the leaders of the EU Member States.

It is a significant political milestone and will further build on the momentum witnessed in the relationship since the 15th India-EU Summit in July 2020.

Earlier on May 3, Prime Minister Modi had a telephonic conversation with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

The two leaders exchanged views on the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India and the EU, including India’s ongoing efforts to contain the second wave of COVID-19.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation of the EU and its Member States for mobilizing quick support for India’s fight against the second wave of COVID-19.