Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a joint telephone conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with both sides underscoring their commitment to deepening the India–EU Strategic Partnership.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the discussions reflected the “strong and close relationship built on trust, shared values, and a common vision for the future.” The leaders highlighted the role of India and the European Union in addressing global challenges, promoting stability, and strengthening a rules-based international order.
Progress in several areas of bilateral cooperation was reviewed, including trade, technology, investment, innovation, sustainability, defence, security, and supply chain resilience. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to conclude negotiations on the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the earliest and accelerate work on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
Building on the EU College of Commissioners’ landmark visit to India in February, the leaders also discussed holding the next India–EU Summit in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date. Prime Minister Modi formally invited Costa and von der Leyen to India for the meeting.
Regional and global issues featured prominently in the talks, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent stance advocating dialogue and diplomacy for a peaceful resolution and the early restoration of stability.
Following the call, Ursula von der Leyen tweeted, “We had the pleasure of speaking with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We 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.”
She further stressed the urgency of progress on the trade pact, adding, “We remain fully committed to concluding the Free Trade Agreement negotiations by the end of the year. To achieve this, progress is needed now.” Von der Leyen also announced plans for a joint strategic agenda to be adopted at the next EU–India Summit, targeted for early 2026.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Prime Minister @narendramodi.
We 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… pic.twitter.com/ri5Vkep6MQ
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 4, 2025
