Vice-President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, met with a delegation from the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) led by H.E. Mr. David McAllister at Parliament House in New Delhi on October 28, 2026. The Chairman noted that India-EU relations have witnessed remarkable progress across multiple sectors in recent years and thanked the leadership of both India and the EU for advancing the relationship.
Shri Radhakrishnan emphasized the shared foundation of the relationship, noting that as the two largest democracies and open market economies with diverse and pluralistic societies, India and the European Union share a common interest in shaping a resilient multipolar global order. He highlighted that institutional linkages established since the visit of the College of Commissioners in 2025, led by H.E. President Ursula von der Leyen with a whole-of-government approach, have yielded fruitful results.
The Chairman recalled high-level engagements, including the attendance of the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission as Guests of Honour during Republic Day celebrations. Their state visit for the 16th India-EU Summit provided tremendous momentum to the partnership.
Focusing on trade and investment, Shri Radhakrishnan highlighted that India and the European Union together represent a combined market of approximately USD 25 trillion and nearly two billion people. He termed the proposed Free Trade Agreement as the 'Mother of all deals' and expressed hope that it would be signed this year, seeking the requisite support of the European Parliament for its fruition.
Regarding technology cooperation, the Chairman appreciated the significant role played by the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in high-level strategic coordination and expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of negotiations on India's association with the prestigious Horizon Europe programme. The Chairman also expressed condolences over the tragic train accident in Spain that occurred on the same day.
Several Members of Rajya Sabha attended the meeting, including Shri Sanjay Kumar Jha (President, India-Germany Parliamentary Friendship Group), Shri Surendra Singh Nagar (President, India-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group), Shri Amar Pal Maurya (President, India-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group), and Smt. P.T. Usha (President, India-Germany Parliamentary Friendship Group).