The Vice-President and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan today met a delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) led by H.E. Mr. David McAllister at Parliament House, New Delhi. He said that India-EU relations have witnessed remarkable progress in recent years across a range of sectors and thanked the leadership of both India and EU for taking it forward.
Emphasizing the shared foundation of the relationship, Shri Radhakrishnan noted that as the two largest democracies and open market economies, with diverse and pluralistic societies, India and the European Union share a common interest in shaping a resilient multipolar global order. He highlighted that institutional linkages established since the visit of the College of Commissioners in 2025, led by H.E. President Ursula von der Leyen with a whole-of-government approach, have yielded fruitful results.
Recalling high-level engagements, the Chairman mentioned that the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission attended as Guests of Honour during the Republic Day celebrations. Their state visit for the 16th India-EU Summit provided tremendous momentum to the partnership.
Focusing on trade and investment, Shri Radhakrishnan highlighted that India and the European Union together represent a combined market of around USD 25 trillion and nearly two billion people. Terming the the proposed Free Trade Agreement as ‘Mother of all deals’, the Chairman expressed hope that it would be signed this year and sought the requisite support of the European Parliament in its fruition.
Addressing cooperation in technology, research, and innovation, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan appreciated the significant role played by the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in high-level strategic coordination. He also expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of negotiations on India’s association with the prestigious Horizon Europe programme.
During the meeting, the Chairman also expressed his deepest condolences over the tragic train accident in Spain today.
Members of Rajya Sabha Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha (President, India-Germany Parliamentary Friendship Group); Shri Surendra Singh Nagar (President, India-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group); Shri Amar Pal Maurya (President, India-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group); and Smt. P.T. Usha (President, India-Germany Parliamentary Friendship Group) also attended the meeting.