Brussels/New Delhi, 19^th April 2022: President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen will travel to India on April 24^th and 25^th. This will be her first visit to India after taking over the European Commission office.

President von der Leyen will open as chief guest the Raisina Dialogue 2022. She will highlight the vast potential of the EU India strategic partnership and offer the EU perspective over current geopolitical challenges.

During her visit, President Ursula von der Leyen will call on the Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind and hold bilateral talks with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, the energy and digital transition, connectivity, security and defence, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific will be at the centre of her conversations in Delhi. EU-India broad economic agenda, with a focus on the free trade agreement, Investment Protection agreement and Geographical Indications agreement will also be on the agenda. Russia’s war against Ukraine will also feature in discussions.

In the last decade, EU India trade in goods has increased by 41% and trade in services has increased by 76%. EU-India trade in goods and services in 2020 amounted to €96 billion. The EU is one of the largest investors in India accounting for 16% of total investments received between 2015-20 (Euro 83 billion in 2000-2021). There are 4,500 European companies operating in India, contributing to the creation of over 1.5 million direct and 5 million indirect jobs in the country. The Leaders’ meeting held last year provided fresh impetus to the EU India relationship, including in trade and investment.

During the visit, the President will visit The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) campus known as TERI Gram, where she will interact with the youth on the existential challenge of climate change and the need to work together for a green, digital and resilient future. President von der Leyen will also deliver an address at the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and discuss with Indian and EU companies about security of supply chains in the energy sector.