‘India has risen and Europe is glad,’ EU President Ursula says as ‘mother of all deals’ signed

EU President Ursula hails India-EU ‘mother of all deals’: ‘When India succeeds, the world grows stronger’

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday described the India-EU trade agreement as the “mother of all deals,” calling it a significant milestone in bilateral relations and a strategic response to rising global uncertainties.

She highlighted India’s growing prominence on the world stage and said the pact would help secure people and economies “in our own world” amid concerns over trade weaponisation.

"India has risen, and Europe is truly glad, because when India succeeds, the world becomes more stable, prosperous, and secure, and we all benefit," von der Leyen said.

#WATCH | Delhi | President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen says, "Thank you very much for the exceptional hospitality we experienced. It was such an honour for us to be your chief guests at the Republic Day yesterday. This is a memory I will carry for a lifetime… pic.twitter.com/joZQiTPX58

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2026

Alongside the trade deal, India and the EU signed a security and defence partnership, deepening cooperation between the two democratic blocs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the agreements as historic, saying they mark a decisive new chapter in India-EU relations, reflecting growing trust, shared values, and a common commitment to peace, stability, and security.

Speaking about her visit, von der Leyen said, "Thank you very much for the exceptional hospitality we experienced. It was such an honour for us to be your chief guests at the Republic Day yesterday. This is a memory I will carry for a lifetime because the sense of communion was so powerful. People filled the streets, united in pride and joy of belonging to the Indian nation and rightfully so."

Describing India and the EU as “two giants who chose a win-win partnership,” she noted that the trade deal would deepen economic ties, reduce trade barriers, cut around 4 billion euros in tariffs, boost businesses on both sides, and strengthen supply chains.

European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa added, "We conclude today our trade negotiations… Our summit sends a clear message to the world. At a time when the global order is being fundamentally reshaped, the European Union and India stand together as strategic and reliable partners. Today, we are taking our partnership to the next level… working hand in hand to deliver concrete benefits for our citizens and to shape a resilient global order that underpins peace and stability, economic growth and sustainable development."