New Delhi: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen – a woman at the forefront of the West’s response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict – will be chief guest next week at the India-hosted annual global discussion event, called the Raisina Dialogue.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Von der Leyen will be on an official visit on 24, 25 April. She will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind and other dignitaries.
Von der Leyen will address the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on 25 April. The ministry said: “The visit of the President of the European Commission will be an opportunity to review progress and further intensify multifaceted partnership with the EU.”
The MEA added: “India and the European Union share a vibrant strategic partnership which has been witnessing strong growth with wider and deeper cooperation in political and strategic, trade and commerce, climate and sustainability, digital and technology aspects as well as people-to-people ties.”
The Raisina Dialogue, which started in 2016, has emerged as a major flagship event for India. Participation is at every level – from heads of states, to Indian ministers to academics to corporate heads. The conference of global policymakers is organised by think-tank Observer Research Foundation along with the Ministry of External Affairs.
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