'We Did It, Two Giants Chose A Win-Win Partnership': EU Chief On India Trade Deal

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday described the India–EU trade agreement as a landmark moment, saying it reflected a conscious choice by “two giants” to pursue a win-win partnership at a time of global uncertainty. Thanking India for the reception during her visit, Ursula said the experience of being the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations was deeply moving.

“Thank you very much for the exceptional hospitality we experienced. It was such an honour for us to be your chief guests at the Republic Day yesterday. This is a memory I will carry for a lifetime because the sense of communion was so powerful. People filled the streets, united in pride and joy of belonging to the Indian nation and rightfully so,” she

said.

Ursula added that India’s rise was a positive development for the world. “India has risen, and Europe is truly glad about it because when India succeeds, the world is more stable, more prosperous and more secure, and we all benefit.”

Highlighting the significance of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, Ursula said the deal brings together complementary strengths from both sides. “It brings together Indian skills, services and scale, with European technology, capital and innovation. It will create levels of growth which neither side can achieve alone,” she said. Stressing the strategic importance of the agreement, she added, “By combining our strengths, we reduce strategic dependencies at a time when trade is increasingly weaponised.”

Ursula underlined that the agreement goes beyond commerce, signalling a broader alignment between India and the European Union. She said the partnership reflects shared confidence that cooperation, rather than confrontation, is the best response to global challenges, and positions both sides for long-term growth, resilience, and stability.