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President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday received Antonio Costa, President of the European Council and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in their honour.
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval were among the leaders present. Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, was among the invitees, along with leaders from various fields. Welcoming the European Union leaders, the President said that their presence as Chief Guests on Republic Day, marking the first participation of the European Union in India's Republic Day celebrations, holds special significance, reflecting the depth of "mutual engagement and the trust we place in one another". The President said that India and Europe are connected not only by contemporary interests, but also by shared values such as democracy, pluralism, and an open market economy. These principles guide us in a rapidly changing global environment. She was happy to note that over the past two decades, the India-European Union Strategic Partnership has grown remarkably stronger. She said that this reflects our collective aspiration to shape a stable, balanced, and rules-based international order. The President said that in these times of uncertainty and conflict, India and the European Union share the responsibility of maintaining global stability. Our cooperation sends a clear message in support of diplomacy, multilateralism, and peaceful coexistence. The President said that economic cooperation is a key pillar of India-European Union relations. We view trade and investment as instruments of shared prosperity and social progress. She expressed happiness over the successful conclusion of the historic negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, adding that it will bring significant positive changes to the lives of our people. The President said that impact of technology on society is as profound as its impact on the economy. India and the EU can work together to advance "responsible innovation". She added that the Security and Defence Partnership concluded during this visit will open new opportunities for our defence industries. The President said that India is keen to further strengthen cooperation with the EU in the fields of clean energy, climate finance, and sustainable technologies. The three leaders expressed confidence that the important agreements concluded during this visit will further deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership. They agreed that India and the EU are emerging as a force for balance, stability, and optimism and together, we can shape a future that is sustainable, inclusive and humane. (ANI)
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