The European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and stated that energy security is one of the most pressing topics for India and Europe as EU plans to invest heavily in clean energy.
Energy security is one of the most pressing issues for India and Europe. The EU will invest heavily in clean renewable energy and will move away from Russian fossil fuels. Ursula von der Leyen said that cooperation is key to solar and green hydrogen.
Leyen said that India-EU ties are a priority for this decade. The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in various areas and reviewed progress in the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
Ursula von der Leyen had arrived in India on Sunday as part of a two-day visit aimed at strengthening European Union-India relations. She began her tour with talks on energy issues and a visit to the Energy and Resources Institute in New Delhi, where she met young climate activists. Von der Leyen is also scheduled to address the International Solar Alliance, according to the European Commission.
PM Modi said that India-EU ties are at greater heights under the EU chief's leadership.
When our EAM came, you provided a good meeting and provided an opportunity for discussions. New areas for cooperation are being created under your leadership, and I believe that India-EU relations are at new heights. Our cooperation will take our relations forward, said Modi.
The Ministry of External Affairs MEA stated that PM Narendra Modi held talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi today. They looked at progress in the vibrant India-EU Strategic Partnership and agreed to deepen cooperation in areas of trade, climate, digital technology and people-to-people ties. PM Modi expressed confidence in Leyen's leadership and said that the cooperation between the two regional powers will take their relations forward.
She said that this year is the 60th anniversary of the EU-India relationship and I think this relationship is more important than ever. We are big economies, large democracies and have a lot in common, but we are also facing a challenge. I appreciate this meeting. The EU has only one Trade and Technology Council in place, and that is with the US. I think it is time that we should have a second Trade and Technology Council with India. She added that India is a technological powerhouse.
Trade, connectivity and security are also issues on the EU chief's New Delhi agenda. She said on Twitter that Brussels and New Delhi have built a solid friendship over the last 60 years and would like to take their cooperation to the next level.
This is Leyen's first official tour to India.