PM Modi and European Council President Antonio Costa discuss strengthening India-EU ties
| 2025-01-08
India and the EU are natural partners, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after a telephone call from European Council President Antonio Costa on January 7, 2025. (File photo)
Early Free Trade Agreement, collaboration in technology and digital space have the potential to drive Indian-EU ties to next level
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a constructive conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa, on January 7, 2025. The dialogue emphasized bolstering the India-European Union (EU) Strategic Partnership and addressing pressing global issues of mutual interest.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Costa on his assumption of office as the President of the European Council. Noting the significant progress made in the India-EU Strategic Partnership over the past decade, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing bilateral ties.
Areas identified for cooperation include:
Trade and Investment: Both leaders underscored the critical importance of concluding a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the earliest. The agreement is expected to enhance economic engagement, reduce trade barriers, and foster investment opportunities.
Technology and Digital Space: The conversation highlighted the potential for collaboration in cutting-edge technologies and the digital economy, areas where both India and the EU have demonstrated robust capabilities.
Green Energy: In line with global climate goals, India and the EU aim to deepen cooperation in renewable energy initiatives, with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
The leaders expressed optimism about the upcoming India-EU Summit, scheduled to take place in India later this year. They agreed to finalize a mutually convenient date for the event, which is anticipated to provide a platform for discussing and formalizing key aspects of the partnership.
President Costa remarked, “India is one of our main global partners. It is time to boost our relations and engage in a new strategic agenda. I look forward to the EU-India Summit later this year.”
Addressing Geopolitical Challenges
PM Modi and President Costa exchanged views on regional and global developments, with a focus on shared security concerns and the importance of adhering to international law. They discussed the necessity of collaboration to address geopolitical challenges in Europe and Asia, highlighting the importance of a stable and secure international environment.
Prime Minister Modi posted on social media, "Pleased to speak with President @antoniolscosta. 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."
President Costa echoed similar sentiments, and posted on social media platform X saying, “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. Together, we will address shared concerns and collaborate on a new strategic agenda.”
A Renewed Vision for Collaboration
The India-EU relationship, rooted in shared democratic values and economic synergies, has witnessed substantial growth in recent years. The ongoing dialogue reflects a mutual intent to expand this partnership across diverse domains, including:
Security Cooperation: Strengthening mechanisms to counter terrorism and ensure regional stability.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Costa on his assumption of office as the President of the European Council. Noting the significant progress made in the India-EU Strategic Partnership over the past decade, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing bilateral ties.
Areas identified for cooperation include:
Trade and Investment: Both leaders underscored the critical importance of concluding a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the earliest. The agreement is expected to enhance economic engagement, reduce trade barriers, and foster investment opportunities.
Technology and Digital Space: The conversation highlighted the potential for collaboration in cutting-edge technologies and the digital economy, areas where both India and the EU have demonstrated robust capabilities.
Green Energy: In line with global climate goals, India and the EU aim to deepen cooperation in renewable energy initiatives, with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
The leaders expressed optimism about the upcoming India-EU Summit, scheduled to take place in India later this year. They agreed to finalize a mutually convenient date for the event, which is anticipated to provide a platform for discussing and formalizing key aspects of the partnership.
President Costa remarked, “India is one of our main global partners. It is time to boost our relations and engage in a new strategic agenda. I look forward to the EU-India Summit later this year.”
Addressing Geopolitical Challenges
PM Modi and President Costa exchanged views on regional and global developments, with a focus on shared security concerns and the importance of adhering to international law. They discussed the necessity of collaboration to address geopolitical challenges in Europe and Asia, highlighting the importance of a stable and secure international environment.
Prime Minister Modi posted on social media, "Pleased to speak with President @antoniolscosta. 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."
President Costa echoed similar sentiments, and posted on social media platform X saying, “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. Together, we will address shared concerns and collaborate on a new strategic agenda.”
A Renewed Vision for Collaboration
The India-EU relationship, rooted in shared democratic values and economic synergies, has witnessed substantial growth in recent years. The ongoing dialogue reflects a mutual intent to expand this partnership across diverse domains, including:
Security Cooperation: Strengthening mechanisms to counter terrorism and ensure regional stability.
Climate Action: Joint efforts to combat climate change through innovation and policy alignment.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Promoting educational exchanges, tourism, and collaborations in arts and culture.
The telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President Costa marks a significant step toward reinforcing the India-EU Strategic Partnership. By aligning economic and strategic interests, both sides aim to foster a relationship that not only benefits their respective populations but also contributes to global stability and prosperity.
As the two leaders look forward to the India-EU Summit, the dialogue underscores a shared vision for a collaborative and forward-looking partnership, poised to tackle global challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Promoting educational exchanges, tourism, and collaborations in arts and culture.
The telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President Costa marks a significant step toward reinforcing the India-EU Strategic Partnership. By aligning economic and strategic interests, both sides aim to foster a relationship that not only benefits their respective populations but also contributes to global stability and prosperity.
As the two leaders look forward to the India-EU Summit, the dialogue underscores a shared vision for a collaborative and forward-looking partnership, poised to tackle global challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
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