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In a landmark joint press conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined an ambitious new strategic agenda aimed at deepening ties between India and the European Union (EU). The partnership, which spans two decades, is focused on key areas including trade, technology, green growth, and security, with the goal of building a more resilient global economy and fostering sustainable development.

Key Areas of Collaboration

The two leaders emphasized their shared commitment to economic growth and technological advancement. President von der Leyen highlighted that the EU is already India’s largest trading partner, with EUR 120 billion in goods exchanged in 2024 alone. Trade between the two has tripled over the past two decades, underscoring the increasing mutual interest in expanding economic ties. A key element of their discussions was the completion of a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of this year, which both sides hope will further enhance bilateral trade and investment.

Technology and innovation also emerged as pivotal areas for cooperation, with a focus on clean technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and semiconductor manufacturing. Both India and the EU agreed to strengthen their collaboration in AI, aiming to leverage it for addressing challenges such as climate change, natural hazards, and bioinformatics. Additionally, the two parties are set to explore further cooperation in high-performance computing, 6G technology, and space exploration, with the initiation of a Space Dialogue to further these efforts.

Focus on Green Growth and Sustainable Development

A significant part of the dialogue centered on the green transition, where both parties agreed to deepen cooperation on clean energy and environmental sustainability. Prime Minister Modi and President von der Leyen announced the launch of a Green Hydrogen Forum and an Offshore Wind Energy Business Summit. Joint research will also be conducted on electric vehicle (EV) batteries, marine plastics, and green hydrogen. The two leaders underscored their commitment to a balance between ecology and economy, emphasizing that sustainable development would be a core pillar of their future cooperation.

Further cementing their commitment to sustainable infrastructure, both leaders highlighted the development of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), a key connectivity project aimed at boosting trade and fostering economic integration between the regions. This corridor, according to Prime Minister Modi, is poised to serve as an engine for global commerce and sustainable growth.

Strengthening Security and Defence Cooperation

Security and defense cooperation were also central to the discussions, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to mutual peace and stability. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of the EU’s support for the "Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative," a framework aimed at promoting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Both India and the EU also agreed to enhance collaboration in areas such as cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and maritime security, including joint naval exercises and cybersecurity dialogues.

The visit also marked progress in defense cooperation, with India and the EU agreeing to further explore opportunities for diversifying military supplies and enhancing defense capabilities. These discussions reflect both parties’ shared interest in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as addressing global security concerns.

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