Ursula von der Leyen says EU is exploring defence and security partnership with India

The European Union is exploring a security and defence partnership with India, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday before meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

Von der Leyen arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day visit with her college of commissioners seeking to hedge against souring relations with its traditional ally, the United States.

The delegation aims to deepen its diplomatic and trade ties with the world's fifth-largest economy after US President Donald Trump announced a slew of tariffs against both friends and foes.

WATCH: EU chief von der Leyen on India visit to boost strategic ties

The EU also hopes to find common ground with India on their shared concerns over China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific, building resilient supply chains, and the governance of new technologies including artificial intelligence.

"I can announce that we are exploring a future Security and Defence Partnership with India in the mould of the partnerships we have with Japan and South Korea," the EU chief said in a public speech in the Indian capital on Friday.

"This will help us step up our work to counter common threats, whether on cross-border terrorism, maritime security threats, cyber-attacks or the new phenomenon we see: attacks on our critical infrastructure," she added.

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The EU is India's largest trading partner, accounting for 124 billion euros ($130 billion) worth of trade in goods in 2023 -- more than 12 percent of total Indian trade, according to Brussels.

The Indian market offers many opportunities for sectors ranging from defence to agriculture, cars and clean energy. Yet, protected by high tariffs, it currently accounts for only 2.2 percent of EU trade in goods.

The bloc is pushing for a trade deal that lowers entry barriers for its cars, spirits, wines and other products.

New Delhi meanwhile hopes for higher EU investments in areas such as clean energy, urban infrastructure and water management.

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Modi has pushed for joint local ventures and a more streamlined migration policy for its skilled professionals.

"A free trade agreement between the EU and India would be the largest deal of this kind anywhere in the world," Von der Leyen said.

"It will not be easy," she added. "But I also know that timing and determination counts... This is why we have agreed with Prime Minister Modi to push to get it done during this year."

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The two sides are also expected to discuss Russia's war in Ukraine.

Historically close to Russia, its traditional supplier of military hardware, it has resisted Western pressure to distance itself from Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.