EU-India leaders’ meeting advances strategic partnership on connectivity and trade

Source: European Commission Spokesperson’s Service

On Saturday 8 May, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined Council President Charles Michel, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, the 27 EU
Heads of State or Government and the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi via video conference for a landmark EU-India
leaders’ meeting. The leaders’ agreed a
joint statement, which covers the breadth of the discussions and gives further impetus to cooperation moving forward.

It was a remarkable Summit because it widened the scope and the view on the untapped potential in the relationship of the European Union and India – said
President von der Leyen at the
joint press conference.

The European Union and India have agreed to resume negotiations on a free trade
agreement and to launch negotiations on an investment protection agreement and on an agreement on geographical indications. Leaders also concluded the
EU-India Connectivity Partnership, which will bring collaboration on supporting resilient and sustainable connectivity both in India and in third countries and regions, including Africa,
Central Asia and the Indo-Pacific. The meeting was also an opportunity to reiterate the European
Union’s full solidarity with the Indian people in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. The European Union has mobilised oxygen, medicines, and equipment worth over €100 million co-ordinated
through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Leaders discussed climate change and the need to set ambitious goals ahead of COP26 later this year, as well as the digital transformation, global digital
standards, and regulatory convergence. They also discussed foreign and security challenges and possibilities for cooperation, in particular in light of the EU’s recently-adopted
Indo-Pacific Strategy. Reaffirming their mutual commitment to protect and promote human rights, they agreed to intensify cooperation in human rights fora. One day before the leaders’ meeting,
the European Investment Bank
announced three new measures totalling €325 million to support India’s coronavirus recovery. Information on the outcomes of the meeting is available on the dedicated website
and factsheet,
and a press
release and
factsheet on the Connectivity Partnership are also available.