NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Saturday that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s trip to India next week will facilitate the enhancement of increasing alignment in crucial sectors.

Leyen, along with the influential European Union College of Commissioners, is set to visit India on February 27 and 28 at the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This will mark the first occasion the EU College of Commissioners visits India as a group.

The MEA stated that Prime Minister Modi will engage in talks with Leyen at the delegation level.

The EU Trade and Technology Council (TEC) will conduct bilateral ministerial meetings with European Commissioners and their Indian counterparts, it stated.

This will mark Leyen’s third trip to India.

She previously traveled to India for a bilateral visit in April 2022 and to participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023.

“This will mark the inaugural visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India and will be among the initial trips since the current European Commission began its mandate in December 2024, following the European parliamentary elections in June 2024,” stated the MEA.

Since 2004, India and the European Union have maintained a strategic partnership, with their bilateral relations broadening and intensifying in numerous domains.

“The MEA stated, ‘As both parties embark on the third decade of their strategic alliance, President von der Leyen’s visit along with the EU College of Commissioners will facilitate the enhancement of bilateral relations rooted in increasing commonalities.'”