President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has said that India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace.
The statement came after her joint telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Council Antonio Costa, today.
In a post on X, following the conversation, Ursula wrote that they warmly welcome India’s continued engagement with President Zelenskyy.
“India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace. This war carries global security consequences and undermines economic stability. So it is a risk to the entire world. Looking ahead, we plan to agree on a joint strategic agenda at the next EU–India summit, as early as possible in 2026. We also remain fully committed to concluding the Free Trade Agreement negotiations by the end of the year. To achieve this, progress is needed now,” the post read further.
In a statement issued here, the Prime Minister’s Office said that as the world’s largest democratic forces, India and EU share a strong and close relationship built on trust, shared values, and a common vision for the future.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability.
Giving details of the joint conversation, the PMO said that the leaders underlined the role of the India-EU Strategic Partnership in jointly addressing global issues, fostering stability, and promoting a rules-based order for mutual prosperity.
The leaders also welcomed progress in bilateral relations in key sectors such as trade, technology, investment, innovation, sustainability, defence, security and supply chain resilience, and reaffirmed the shared commitment for an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations and implementation of the IMEEC corridor, it read further.
Discussions were also held for organizing the next India EU Summit in India, following PM Modi inviting the two leaders to India for the same.