On Friday, Saurabh Kumar, India’s Ambassador to the European Union (EU), presented his credentials to Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. During the meeting, Ambassador Kumar conveyed greetings from Indian leadership and expressed a strong commitment to enhancing ties between India and the EU.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ambassador Kumar shared, “Ambassador @AmbSaurabhKumar presented his credentials to H.E. Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen, President of the European Commission. He conveyed greetings of Indian leadership and its commitment towards stronger India-EU relations including through regular high-level interactions.”
Ambassador @AmbSaurabhKumar presented his credentials to H.E. Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen, President of the European Commission. He conveyed greetings of Indian leadership and its commitment towards stronger 🇮🇳🇪🇺 relations including through regular high-level interactions. pic.twitter.com/T1ghatTxfi
— India in Belgium & Luxembourg (@IndEmbassyBru) June 21, 2024
Saurabh Kumar holds multiple roles as India’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union. He was concurrently accredited as India’s next ambassador to Luxembourg in April. His presentation of credentials to President von der Leyen marks a significant step in his diplomatic mission in Europe.
Earlier this month, on June 5, Ursula von der Leyen congratulated the people of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their victory in the Lok Sabha elections. She expressed her anticipation for a continued fruitful partnership between India and the EU. In her post on X, she stated, “Congratulations to the people of India! And congratulations @narendramodi. As the EU moves into its elections, we celebrate the voice of the people in our democracies, the two biggest in the world. I look forward to a continued fruitful partnership between the EU and India.”
Congratulations to the people of India! And congratulations @narendramodi.
As the EU moves into its own elections, we celebrate the voice of the people in our democracies, the two biggest in the world.
I look forward to a continued fruitful partnership between the EU and… pic.twitter.com/dfLOFS85xq
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 5, 2024
Responding, Prime Minister Modi thanked President von der Leyen for her congratulations and wished her the best for the upcoming EU elections. He highlighted the strong foundation of India-EU relations based on shared democratic values and interests. In his post on X, PM Modi said, “Thank you @vonderleyen. India-EU strategic partnership is defined by the depth of our shared democratic values, interests, and unlimited opportunities. Looking forward to elevating the India-EU ties to greater heights. Best wishes on behalf of the world’s largest democracy for the EU elections.”
The bilateral relations between India and the EU date back to the early 1960s. India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the European Economic Community in 1962. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), these ties have evolved into a multifaceted partnership covering a wide range of topics, including trade, investment, climate change, science and technology, digital connectivity, and agriculture.
The recent exchange of greetings and commitments between Indian and EU leaders reflects the ongoing effort to strengthen their partnership. Regular high-level interactions and diplomatic engagements, such as Ambassador Kumar’s presentation of credentials, are vital for maintaining and enhancing these important international relations.
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