New Delhi: European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday, underscoring strong anticipation for a fruitful EU-India summit and deeper bilateral cooperation.
In a message posted on X, Costa expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended by Prime Minister Modi and emphasized the strategic importance of the upcoming summit. “Looking forward to a fruitful Summit and a stronger partnership between the European Union and India, based on shared values and heightened ambition,” he wrote. He added that the talks would focus on delivering “tangible benefits for our citizens” and advancing shared prosperity, security, and global leadership.
Echoing his sentiments, Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the historic nature of recent developments between India and the EU. In her social media post, she referred to the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the “mother of all deals,” noting that it would establish a free trade zone covering two billion people. “This is only the beginning. We will grow our strategic relationship to be even stronger,” she said.
Earlier in the morning, both EU leaders paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, reaffirming a shared commitment to peace and non-violence — values that continue to resonate globally, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Costa and von der Leyen are slated to represent the European Union at the 16th EU-India Summit, hosted by Prime Minister Modi later in the day in New Delhi.
At the India Energy Week 2026 earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi announced the near finalisation of the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which he described as a “very significant agreement.” He highlighted the pact’s potential to open “tremendous opportunities” for India’s 1.4 billion citizens and European populations alike.
The Prime Minister referred to the FTA as “an excellent example of synergy between two of the world’s largest economies,” collectively representing nearly **25 per cent of global GDP and about one-third of global trade.” He said the agreement would not only strengthen trade but also reinforce shared commitments to democracy and the rule of law.
Modi highlighted that the FTA is expected to complement existing trade agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), enhancing global supply chain linkages and boosting confidence among global investors. He extended congratulations to stakeholders across key sectors including textiles, gems and jewellery, leather and footwear, and services, noting that the pact would spur both manufacturing and services expansion in India.
The visit follows the attendance of Costa and von der Leyen as Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on Monday. Ursula von der Leyen noted that the inclusion of the European Union flag, along with those of the EU Military Staff and maritime missions ATALANTA and ASPIDES, at the parade reflected deepening security cooperation.
The MEA described the participation of EU military and naval contingents in the Republic Day parade as a “milestone” in India-EU relations, marking a new chapter in strategic engagement between the two sides.