♦ European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 28 February 2025. 

♦ The discussions between the two leaders focused on enhancing the India-EU Strategic Partnership, with particular emphasis on key connectivity initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. India and the European Union (EU) have set an ambitious deadline to finalize negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of this year (2025).

♦ Von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi on February 27 for a two-day visit at the invitation of PM Modi. This marks her third visit to India, following her bilateral visit in April 2022 and attendance at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023.