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European Commission - Speech Speech by President von der Leyen at the EU-India Summit Banquet New Delhi, 27 January 2026 Madam President, Mr Vice-President, Prime Minister, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you so much again for the warm welcome and for hosting our EU-India Summit. It was a genuine honour for António and me to attend the Republic Day celebrations. I was deeply moved by the ceremony. It made m...
European Commission - Speech Speech by President von der Leyen at the EU-India Summit Banquet New Delhi, 27 January 2026 Madam President, Mr Vice-President, Prime Minister, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you so much again for the warm welcome and for hosting our EU-India Summit. It was a genuine honour for António and me to attend the Republic Day celebrations. I was deeply moved by the ceremony. It made me reflect on the ancient ties that bind our two continents, our two civilizations. The relationship between Europe and India goes back thousands of years. We have long been connected and inspired through trade, science and culture. From the earliest discoveries by Indian astronomers to the mathematicians who helped shape the European enlightenment, or modern voices like Rabindranath Tagore, the first Indian to win the Nobel Prize. His poetry speaks to us still today, every time India's national anthem is sung. This history is the foundation for the transformative partnership we are building today. In the fields of economy, technology, and far beyond. And the political ties between Europe and India have never been stronger. The European Union and India are natural strategic partners. Because we have so much in common. We are the two biggest democracies, rooted in the rule of law, pluralism, and respect for human dignity is at our core. We are both unions made up of many regions, bringing together people of different languages, backgrounds and cultures. But we respect this diversity. Unity in diversity is the motto on both sides. Our strengths complement each other. Europe's experience and technology is matched with India's energy, creativity and ingenuity. And our scale gives us global influence. Whether in trade, security, or international relations. This is why India has risen to the top rank of global politics, which Europe welcomes. So just imagine what we can achieve if we combine the resources of Europe and India. And that is precisely why we are here today. It is a decisive moment in our partnership, with our free trade agreement opening the world's largest trading zone ever. An unprecedented market of almost 2 billion people. It means more than trade. It means more and better jobs. More and closer friendships. More connections. More opportunities for our businesses and our people. And fewer dependencies. And this is only the beginning. This agreement forms the foundation of the crucial partnership between Europe and India. We are sending a strong signal to the world. In a time where the world is becoming more and more fractured and fractious. At this time, India and Europe are choosing dialogue, collaboration and cooperation. Distinguished guests, Today is about more than economics. Europe and India are also stepping up strategically. And this is why today we launched our Security and Defence Partnership. To protect Indian and European interests. And to bring stability and reassurance in volatile times. So that our people can feel safe, and our businesses can trade with confidence and certainty. Distinguished guests, We have achieved so much already. Now with these agreements, we can scale even greater heights. Together we can build a new Golden Road between our continents. And pave the way to an even brighter future for India and for Europe. I look forward to deepening this partnership with you. Jai Hind. Long Live Europe. SPEECH/26/262 Press contacts: Paula PINHO (+32 2 29 20815) Arianna PODESTA (+32 2 298 70 24) Olof GILL (+32 2 29 65966) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email Related media EU-India Summit in New Delhi, India
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