India EU Summit

"The migratory situation in the European Union (EU) is strained", the member states' Justice and Home Affairs Ministers agreed at their Council meeting here

India and the European Union on Tuesday expressed hope that there is a timely conclusion of negotiations on their trade and investment agreements, and agreed on the need for greater ambition in the implementation of their connectivity partnership. The 9th India-EU Foreign Policy and Security Consultations were held here co-chaired by Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sanjay Verma and Enrique Mora, Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs, European External Action Service. During the consultations, both sides were pleased to note the enhanced intensity and political momentum in the India-EU relationship, a start towards which was made during the 15th India-EU Summit held in July 2020 and which was further strengthened by the India-EU Leaders' Meeting in May 2021, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said. They took stock of key bilateral developments, including the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, announced by Prime Minister Modi and .

Both sides agreed that rapid changes in the geopolitical environment highlight the need for joint in-depth strategic engagement

The second day of discussions focused on competition law and enforcement in the pharmaceutical sector

Ahead of the India-EU virtual summit, PM Narendra Modi and Portugal PM Antonio Costa said that strengthening the dialogue between the countries will boost mutual ties and benefit international trade

Modi and his Portuguese counterpart Antnio Lus Santos da Costa spoke over the phone on Tuesday, during which they reviewed the preparations for the first ever India-EU Leaders' Meeting

Never before did the EU invest in the future like this, Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes says

"An extraordinary situation demands extraordinary efforts," German Chancellor Angela Merkel says

The negotiations have been held up since 2013 due to differences on several contentious issues between the two sides

The prime minister pointed out that India-EU partnership is based on shared values such as democracy, respect for rule of law, multilateralism, rules-based trade and international order.

India has flagged its opposition to the China's OBOR initiative, stating that it crosses the disputed territory of PoK

At the summit, the two sides also held extensive deliberations on bilateral, regional and international issues

India, EU have been strategic partners since 2004; this year's focus on ramping up two-way trade, investment

Modi is scheduled to hold talks with his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel during the visit