The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called the India-EU summit a “watershed” moment saying the meeting created a new momentum in ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a virtual meeting with the heads of state or government of all the 27 European Union member states with a focus on expanding overall cooperation in areas of trade, investment and connectivity.
The leaders also exchanged views on the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare cooperation.
India appreciated the EU’s and its Member States’ quick support and assistance, coordinated through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘We are opening a new chapter in EU-India strategic partnership’
The India-EU leaders’ meeting was hosted by Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa. Portugal currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“We are opening a new chapter in #EUIndia strategic partnership at the meeting of EU Leaders with PM @narendramodi,” tweeted Charles Michel, President of the European Council.
PM Modi was scheduled to visit Portugal for the meeting but it was called off due to coronavirus crisis.
“We deeply condoled the loss of lives and expressed the deepest sympathy with the families of the victims of this pandemic in India, Europe and the rest of the world,” Joint Statement on India-EU Leaders’ Meeting read.
‘Common interest in ensuring security, prosperity & sustainable development’
During the meeting, the leaders also underlined the importance of effective and inclusive rules-based multilateralism for tackling current and future global challenges, with the United Nations at its core and for ensuring a stable trading environment with the WTO at its centre.
India and the EU have a common interest in ensuring security, prosperity and sustainable development in a multi-polar world, the statement read.
European countries, along with support from the European Union (EU), have been providing long-term and sustainable medical technologies to India to fight the coronavirus.
Earlier today, Walter J Lindner, German ambassador to India, visited Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Covid Hospital at the Delhi cantonment. A big oxygen generation plant with the capacity of 4,00,000 litres of oxygen is being set up by Germany there.
This plant will be operated by 12 paramedics from its defence forces and according to the Ambassador, these paramedics will also train Indian defence personnel to manage the plant.
