S Jaishankar holds talks with EU delegates ahead of EU-India Summit

Costa expressed his happiness as he arrived in India.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday held talks with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi, ahead of their meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 16th India–EU Summit.

Welcoming the two leaders, Jaishankar expressed optimism that their engagement with Prime Minister Modi would mark a fresh chapter in India–European Union relations. In a post on X, he said, “Delighted to welcome President of EU Council Antonio Costa and President of EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen to India. A great privilege to have them as Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day celebrations. Confident that their upcoming discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will herald a new chapter in India - European Union relations.”

The Ministry of External Affairs described the partnership as one rooted in trust and reliability. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the visit underlined the strength of ties between India and the EU as Costa and von der Leyen arrived in the national capital.

In a post on X, Jaiswal said, “India-EU: A partnership of Trust and Reliability: A cordial welcome to the President of the European Council Antonio Costa as he arrives in New Delhi for a State Visit to India. Received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry; and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada.”

He added that both leaders were accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour, noting, “President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen were accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. Presidents Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen are the Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations. The visit is set to deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership.”

Costa also shared his thoughts upon arriving in India, highlighting the growing scope of cooperation between the two sides. In a post on X, he said, “Honoured to arrive in New Delhi for the 16th EU-India Summit, on the eve of India's 77th Republic Day. Celebrating a strong and growing EU-India partnership--from trade and security to the clean transition and vibrant people-to-people connections.”

Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen will represent the European Union at the 16th EU–India Summit in Delhi, which will be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a statement from the European Council.