New Delhi witnessed a significant milestone in India-European Union relations as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirmed their commitment to elevating the India-EU strategic partnership. This commitment, based on shared values such as democracy, human rights, pluralism, rule of law, and a rules-based international order anchored in the United Nations, was expressed during the 16th India-EU Summit held in the capital.
The leaders jointly chaired the summit and agreed to intensify cooperation in addressing security threats, promoting inclusive and sustainable development, enhancing economic resilience and security, accelerating action on climate change and biodiversity conservation, and advancing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These points were highlighted in the joint statement issued after detailed discussions.
Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen are in India on a state visit as chief guests of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, accompanied by a high-level delegation including High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.
The joint statement welcomed the signing of the India-EU security and defence partnership, marking the first comprehensive defence and security framework between the two sides. This partnership will deepen collaboration in maritime security, defence industry and technology, cyber and hybrid threats, space, and counter-terrorism cooperation. Additionally, negotiations on an information security agreement were welcomed, which will facilitate the exchange of classified information and strengthen cooperation in the security and defence sectors.
The leaders emphasized the importance of a strong multilateral system centered on the United Nations and underscored the need for comprehensive reforms in the UN Security Council to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, effective, democratic, and reflective of current geopolitical realities.
Recognizing the importance of close cooperation on regional and global security issues, both parties noted the interconnectedness of security and prosperity in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. They reiterated their shared commitment to an independent, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, consistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They welcomed the growing cooperation in the region, including the inaugural India-EU Indo-Pacific Dialogue in New Delhi, and expressed intent to strengthen collaboration under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
On the issue of Ukraine, the leaders expressed concern over the ongoing conflict, highlighting its extensive humanitarian impact and global repercussions. They reaffirmed their commitment to support efforts for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the UN Charter and principles of international law.
Discussions also covered recent troubling developments in Iran and the region, emphasizing the importance of peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
Regarding the Gaza conflict, the leaders referenced United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 adopted on 17 November 2025, which welcomed the establishment of a peacekeeping board and authorized an international stabilization force. They called on all parties to fully implement the resolution in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, stressed the need for uninterrupted humanitarian assistance, and advocated for a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.
The joint statement strongly and unequivocally condemned all forms of terrorism and violent extremism, including cross-border terrorism. The leaders called for decisive and coordinated international efforts to combat terrorism and agreed to enhance cooperation to prevent radicalization, terrorist financing, money laundering, misuse of new and emerging technologies, and terrorist recruitment.
They also condemned the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025, and near the Red Fort in New Delhi on 10 November 2025, in strong terms.
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