 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 27: Gaurav Gupta, BJP Spokesperson, hailed the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the entire College of Commissioners to New Delhi as a historic milestone in India-EU relations. He emphasized that this unprecedented visit underscores India's growing stature and dynamic leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making India a trusted and strategic partner for Europe.
President von der Leyen, upon landing in New Delhi, tweeted:
"Touchdown in Delhi with my team of Commissioners. In an era of conflicts and intense competition, you need trusted friends. For Europe, India is such a friend and a strategic ally. I'll discuss with Narendra Modi how to take our strategic partnership to the next level."
Reacting to her statement, Gupta said, "President von der Leyen's remarks reaffirm India's position as a key partner in shaping global stability. This visit goes beyond diplomacy-it signifies India's growing role in defining the global economic and strategic landscape."
Gupta highlighted the rapid progress of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, noting that a strong FTA would unlock vast opportunities for Indian businesses in Europe, boost trade, attract investment, and create numerous jobs.
He also pointed out that India's trade engagement with Europe is gaining momentum amid rising global tariff uncertainties. "With the United States reviewing its tariff structures and increasing trade barriers in certain sectors, many global businesses are looking for alternative, stable trade relationships. A robust India-EU FTA can provide European companies a reliable supply chain and give Indian exporters greater access to European markets at a time when global trade dynamics are shifting," he added.
Additionally, he highlighted the establishment of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), making India only the second country after the US to have such a platform with the EU. "With India's focus on self-reliance and cutting-edge technologies, the EU's investment in India will further enhance our global competitiveness," he stated.
Speaking on the geopolitical significance of the visit, Gupta remarked, "At a time when Europe finds itself excluded from key discussions on Russia-Ukraine peace talks and faces growing uncertainties in transatlantic relations, its engagement with India is more crucial than ever. As China's influence in Central and Eastern Europe weakens, European nations are looking towards India as a reliable and stable partner."
He further stressed that at a time of shifting global power dynamics, India and the EU must collaborate to advance global security and stability. "As Europe redefines its strategic priorities, it sees India as a responsible and dependable ally," he added.
Gupta also highlighted India's growing diplomatic influence in Central and Eastern Europe, stating, "India is engaging with these regions as an equal partner, shaping its own future and strengthening global ties."
Gupta concluded by reaffirming India's strong global leadership "Unlike in the past, when India was expected to follow global trends, today we set them. Our independent foreign policy, economic resilience, and commitment to multilateral cooperation have made us a key global force."
With the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 in mind, Gupta underscored that strategic international partnerships, such as this enhanced India-EU collaboration, will play a crucial role in driving India's economic and strategic goals in the years to come. |
