The first-ever India-EU summit comprising of India and 27 EU member states began on Saturday. World leaders showered praise on India. These included French President Emmanuel Macron who said India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa who himself is an Overseas Citizen of India. He spoke about his OCI card with pride.
India, EU hold virtual summit to boost overall ties
India, EU hold virtual summit to boost overall ties
The India-EU virtual meeting focused on expanding overall cooperation in areas of trade, investment and connectivity.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Courtesy: PIB file photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a virtual meeting with the heads of state or government of all 27 European Union member states with a focus on expanding overall cooperation in areas of trade, investment and connectivity.
The leaders also exchanged views on the Covid-19 pandemic and healthcare cooperation.
The India-EU leaders meeting is hosted by Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Costa. Portugal currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
During the meeting, the leaders exchanged views on three key thematic areas foreign policy and security; COVID-19, climate and environment; and trade, connectivity and technology.
Tuesday 20 April, 2021 | 8:01 PM
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi s planned visit to Portugal to attend the annual India-European Union summit next month has been called off in view of the coronavirus crisis, and the deliberations will be held virtually.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday that the decision to hold the summit in a virtual format on May 8 was taken in consultation with EU and Portuguese leadership.
The 16th India-EU summit was scheduled for May 8 in Porto, a prominent city of Portugal. In view of the COVID-19 situation, it has been decided, in consultation with the EU and Portuguese leadership, to hold the India-EU leaders meeting in a virtual format on May 8, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
Highlights
PM Modi s visit to Portugal, France has been cancelled, sources confirmed to Zee News on Tuesday.
The visit has been cancelled due to a recent spurt in COVID-19 cases.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi s visit to Portugal and France has been cancelled due to a recent spurt in COVID-19 cases, sources confirmed to Zee News on Tuesday (April 20, 2021).
The 15th India-EU summit was also held virtually amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020 as Prime Minister Modi had to defer his Brussels visit back then.
India, going through the second wave of COVID-19, has been reporting over 2.5 lakh cases from the past few days. The situation is also dire in the national capital Delhi, which has imposed a complete lockdown for the next six days.