PM Modi and European Council President Antonio Costa reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the India-EU Strategic Partnership, focusing on green energy, trade, and digital innovation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the steady progress in the India-EU Strategic Partnership over the past decade during a phone call with Antonio Costa, the new President of the European Council, on Tuesday.
Costa, who recently succeeded Charles Michel following the EU Parliament elections in June 2024, reached out to PM Modi after assuming his new role. Costa previously served as the Prime Minister of Portugal and the Mayor of Lisbon.
“Pleased to speak with President Antonio Costa. 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,” PM Modi posted on X.
The two leaders highlighted the importance of concluding a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the earliest and discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest. They also expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming India-EU Summit, set to be held in India at a mutually convenient time.
“India and the EU are natural partners. We are committed to working together to strengthen our strategic partnership,” — PM Narendra Modi.
The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement reiterating their commitment: “The leaders agreed to remain in touch and work closely to bolster ties further.”
PM Modi had congratulated Costa in June 2024 on his election as European Council President, noting the strong foundation of friendship and cooperation between India and the EU.
Costa recently underscored the importance of European unity and strategic priorities in his speech marking the official opening of Poland’s presidency of the EU Council. He highlighted Poland as a symbol of the success of European enlargement and emphasized the need for stronger security to maintain peace across Europe.
The Polish Presidency’s motto, “Security, Europe!” aligns with the EU’s foundational mission of peace and integration, Costa noted.
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