“Check against delivery”
Madam President,
Mr Vice-President,
Prime Minister,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you so much for the warm welcome and for hosting our EU-India Summit. It was a genuine honour to attend the Republic Day celebrations. I was deeply moved by the ceremony. And I reflected on the ancient ties that bind our two continents, two civilizations.
The relationship between Europe and India goes back thousands of years. We have long been connected and inspired through trade, science and culture. From the earliest discoveries by Indian astronomers to the mathematicians who helped shape the European enlightenment, or modern voices like Rabindranath Tagore, the first Indian to win the Nobel Prize. His poetry speaks to us still, every time Indias national anthem is sung.
This history is the foundation for the transformative partnership we are building today. In the fields of economy, technology, and far beyond. And the political ties between Europe and India have never been stronger. As the Prime Minister said before, the European Union and India are natural strategic partners. Because we have so much in common. We are the two biggest democracies, rooted in the rule of law, pluralism and respect for human dignity. We are both unions made up of many regions, bringing together people of different languages, backgrounds and cultures. Our strengths complement each other. Europes experience and technology is matched with Indias energy and creativity. And our scale gives us global influence. Whether in trade, security, or international relations. This is why India has risen to the top rank of global politics, which Europe welcomes. So just imagine what we can achieve if we combine the resources of Europe and India.
And that is precisely why we are here. It is a historic moment in our partnership. Today Europe and India are joining hands in a Free Trade Agreement, that will open the worlds largest trading zone. An unprecedented market of almost 2 billion people. It means more trade. More and better jobs. More opportunities for our businesses and our people. And fewer dependencies. This is only the beginning. This Agreement forms the foundation of the crucial partnership between Europe and India. We are sending a strong signal to the world. In a time that is more fractured and more fractious than ever, India and Europe are choosing dialogue, collaboration and cooperation.
Distinguished guests,
Today is about more than economics. Europe and India are also stepping up strategically. And this is why today we launched our Security and Defence Partnership. To protect European and Indian interests. And bring stability and reassurance in volatile times. So that our people can feel safe, and our businesses can trade with confidence and certainty.
Distinguished guests,
We have achieved so much already. Now with these agreements we can scale even greater heights. Together we can build a new Golden Road between our continents. And pave the way to an even brighter future for India, and for Europe. I look forward to deepening this partnership with you.
Jai Hind. Long Live Europe.