India and the European Commission will hold wide-ranging discussions including strategic alliance and trade commerce during talks here on April 24-25 between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen. India in the last few weeks has hosted several high profile leaders in the backdrop of the ongoing Ukraine conflict.  In fact, European Commission President’s visit comes two days after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s summit with Modi here on April 22.  It will be his first visit to India as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Giving details of the European Commission Premier’s itinerary, the ministry of external affairs said here on Tuesday this will be her first visit to India in the capacity.

During her visit, she will hold bilateral talks with the Prime Minister. She will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind and other dignitaries. The President of the European Commission has been invited as the Chief Guest for this year’s edition of Raisina Dialogue and will address the inaugural session onApril25.

India and the European Union share a vibrant Strategic Partnership which has been witnessing strong growth with wider and deeper co-operation in Political and Strategic, Trade and Commerce, Climate and Sustainability, Digital and Technology aspects as well as people-to-people ties.

The India-European Union(EU) Leaders’ Meeting in May 2021 set new milestones with the decision to resume trade talks and the launch of India-EU Connectivity Partnership. The forthcoming visit of the President of the European Commission will be an opportunity to review progress and further intensify the multifaceted partnership with the EU.

As regards the British Prime Minister’s visit, the ministry said last week he will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and will hold bilateral consultations with the Prime Minister on April 22.  Besides official engagements in New Delhi, Johnson will also visit Gujarat on April 21.

India and the United Kingdom enjoy a long and historical relationship which was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-UK Virtual Summit in 2021.

The two Prime Ministers will review implementation of the Roadmap 2030 and set their vision for further intensifying cooperation across the full spectrum of bilateral ties. They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.