New Delhi [India], February 22: The College of Commissioners and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will go to New Delhi from February 27 to 28.

“@EU_Commission President @vonderleyen to visit New Delhi on Feb 27-28 with the College of Commissioners!” was the message that the EU in India shared on X.

“This unprecedented visit highlights the growing momentum in EU-India ties stay tuned,” said the post.

The historic visit comes after President von der Leyen said that a new strategic agenda with India will be unveiled at the EU-India Summit this year. According to the European Union’s Delegation to India and Bhutan, the visit highlights the significance of fortifying connections in crucial sectors that are essential to the economy and security of both Europe and India.

“Europe stands for openness, partnership, and outreach in this era of intense geostrategic competition,” said Ursula von der Leyen. We want to strengthen our relationship with India, one of our closest allies and friends. Like-minded allies, Europe and India are united in their belief that democracy is the greatest option for the people. For this reason, India will be the destination of one of the new Commission’s first trips.

She said, “We are committed to strengthening our strategic partnership to advance trade, economic security, and resilient supply chains, along with a common tech agenda and reinforced security and defence cooperation.”

President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Modi will preside over a plenary session of the College of Commissioners and the Indian government during the visit. While President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Modi will meet bilaterally and then have a news conference, College members will also meet with their counterparts one-on-one.

During the visit, Vice-President Virkkunen, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas, and Commissioners Maros Sefcovic and Ekaterina Zaharieva will represent the EU at the second Trade and Technology Council (TTC). Enhancing cooperation on the digital transformation, clean and green technology, trade, and investment is the aim of the EU-India TTC. The robustness of important value chains, cooperation on global trade concerns, and cooperation on digital public infrastructure and its compatibility are some specific subjects of debate.

Ursula von der Leyen’s visit highlights the significance that India and the EU place on advancing their “strategic partnership” to a new level, according to Herve Delphin, the European Union’s ambassador to India.

In a post on X, Delphin stated, “A first and momentous visit that speaks for itself about the importance both the EU and India attach to taking their strategic partnership to a new level.”