EU-India Partnership ‘Limitless’, PM Modi’s ‘Not An Era Of War’ Message Resonates: Envoy

The European Union-India partnership is “limitless, ambitious and progressive” and has reached a completely new strategic level, EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin said during Europe Day celebrations in New Delhi.

Speaking at the event, Delphin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “not an era of war” message, saying it deeply resonates with European values and identity.

“The EU is fundamentally a peace project, turning the back on centuries of continental wars,” the envoy said while referring to the ongoing global conflicts.

Delphin described the recent EU-India summit held earlier this year as a milestone moment that significantly elevated ties between both sides in qualitative and strategic terms.

According to the envoy, India and the EU achieved major breakthroughs during the summit, including progress on a proposed free trade agreement, a security and defence partnership pact, and a comprehensive mobility framework.

The ambassador also highlighted the presence of Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa as chief guests during India’s Republic Day celebrations, calling it a symbolically and strategically important moment in bilateral ties.

Calling the proposed India-EU free trade agreement the “mother of all trade deals”, Delphin said both sides expect bilateral trade to double in the coming years once the pact is finalised.

The EU is currently India’s largest trading partner in goods. During the financial year 2024-25, total trade in goods between India and the EU stood at around USD 136 billion, including exports worth nearly USD 76 billion and imports of around USD 60 billion.

The envoy also cited a recent report on the EU business footprint in India, stating that nearly 6,000 EU companies operate in the country and contribute to the creation of close to six million jobs.

Referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Delphin criticised what he termed Russia’s “war of aggression” against Ukraine and reiterated Europe’s continued support for Kyiv and a “just and lasting peace”.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, diplomats, academicians and foreign policy experts were present during the Europe Day celebrations in New Delhi.