European Council chief Antonio Costa declared on Tuesday that India and the European Union share a profound duty to safeguard international law with the UN Charter at its core. This statement came during a high-level joint briefing in New Delhi after talks with PM Narendra Modi and Ursula von der Leyen.
Positioning both entities as pillars of democracy and multilateralism, Costa stressed their collective role in maintaining global order. The morning’s tribute to Mahatma Gandhi set a reflective tone, with Costa quoting the father of the nation on true peace arising from principled non-violence amid turmoil.
Revealing his Indian ancestry, Costa noted, ‘My family’s origins in Goa make this partnership personal. As an OCI cardholder and European leader, I cherish these connections.’
Key outcomes included renewed pledges for Ukraine’s just peace process, honoring its independence fully. Costa praised Modi’s potential in diplomacy: ‘This is a defining moment. With Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate hard terms, we rely on your leadership for dialogue-driven solutions.’
Thanking Modi for Republic Day honors, Costa called the parade a testament to India’s vibrancy. The summit launches enhanced cooperation in commerce, defense, and connectivity, signaling a strategic pivot.
Amid rising multipolarity, the duo aims to grow mutual prosperity, linking it inextricably to security. Joint efforts target Indo-Pacific and global threats, forging unprecedented trust. The inaugural defense-security pact sets ambitious precedents for future alliances, reshaping bilateral dynamics.
