New Delhi, January 27 (IANS). Relations between India and the European Union (EU) marked a historic moment when President Draupadi Murmu warmly welcomed President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
President Murmu hosted a grand banquet in his honour, where both sides emphasized shared values and future partnership.
A photo of President Murmu’s meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula Vaughn was shared on official social media platforms.
The post read, “President Draupadi Murmu welcomed European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in their honour.”
The post further read, “The President said that India and Europe are linked not only by common interests, but also by shared values such as democracy, pluralism and an open market economy. He expressed confidence that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement will bring significant positive change in the lives of our people.”
The meeting took place on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, where Costa and von der Leyen attended as chief guests. This was the first time that two top leaders of the European Union jointly became the chief guests at India’s Republic Day celebrations. He accompanied President Murmu to the duty path in a traditional buggy, where he enjoyed the parade and cultural programmes.
Both the leaders appreciated India’s hospitality at the ‘At Home’ reception and banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Antonio Costa shared a photo of his meeting with President Murmu on his
–IANS
SCH/ABM