H.E. Josep Borrell Fontelles, European High Representative/ Vice President (HRVP) called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today. Mr. Borrell is on a visit to India from Jan 16-18 to attend Raisina Dialogue 2020 where he delivered Valedictory Address yesterday. This is his first visit outside the EU after he took over as HRVP on 01 December 2019.
The Prime Minister extended a warm welcome to HRVP Borrell, congratulated him on assuming the charge of HRVP and conveyed his best wishes for a successful tenure. The Prime Minister also appreciated HRVP’s regular participation in the Raisina Dialogue.
The Prime Minister conveyed that India and the European Union were natural partners and that he was looking forward to a productive India-EU Summit in March 2020. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to deepen the engagement with the EU particularly in the fields of climate change, and trade and economic relations. The Prime Minister also recalled his earlier interactions with leadership of European Commission and European Council.
HRVP Borrell conveyed that the leadership of the European Union keenly looked forward to hosting the next India-EU Summit in Brussels in the near future. He also dwelt on the shared priorities and commitment of EU and India, which include democracy, multilateralism and rules-based international order.