Overview

• The European Union's College of Commissioners, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, will visit India on February 27-28 for high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
• Key discussions will focus on advancing free trade agreement negotiations, which resumed in 2022 after nearly a decade-long hiatus, with an emphasis on reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
• The visit will also address cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, and defense, including joint efforts in the Indo-Pacific region and security of information agreements.
• Human rights organizations have urged EU leaders to raise concerns about India's human rights record during the visit, calling for the release of imprisoned activists and the repeal of restrictive laws.
• This unprecedented visit underscores the EU's efforts to diversify partnerships globally, positioning India as a key ally amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics and challenges in transatlantic relations.