European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman to lead the European Commission, embarked on a two-day bilateral visit to India. Accompanied by members of the European College of Commissioners, Leyen engaged in talks with Indian officials alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House in the national capital on Friday. The meeting was attended by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and other ministers, emphasizing the significance of the visit.
High-Level Discussions in Delhi
In a show of camaraderie, Prime Minister Modi and Ursula von der Leyen held a bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House, fostering diplomatic ties and strategic partnerships between Europe and India. The European Commission Commissioners arrived at the venue onboard a bus powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology, developed in collaboration with Tata Motors and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). The innovative transportation mode symbolized the forward-thinking approach towards sustainable energy solutions and environmental conservation, marking a pivotal moment in the visit.
Who is Ursula von der Leyen?
Born in Brussels to German parents in 1958, Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen is a seasoned German politician who has made history as the first woman to serve as the President of the European Commission since 2019. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, she held various ministerial positions in Angela Merkel’s cabinet, including Minister of Defence, before assuming her current role. Recognized for her leadership and expertise, von der Leyen’s impact on European politics and international relations has been profound, solidifying her reputation as a prominent figure in the global arena.
Throughout her career, von der Leyen has demonstrated resilience and dedication, navigating the complexities of governance and policy-making with grace and acumen. Her commitment to public service and advocacy for key issues such as defense, social affairs, and youth empowerment has earned her respect and admiration from colleagues and constituents alike. As a member of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the European People’s Party (EPP), von der Leyen’s influence extends beyond national borders, shaping the course of European unity and collaboration.
With a strong academic background in medicine and public health, von der Leyen’s multidisciplinary expertise has informed her approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based decision-making and holistic solutions to complex challenges. Her leadership style, characterized by pragmatism and foresight, has been instrumental in shaping policy initiatives and fostering dialogue on critical issues facing Europe and the global community.
As President of the European Commission, von der Leyen continues to champion inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation, driving forward an agenda of progress and prosperity for all European citizens. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the values of democracy and cooperation have positioned her as a transformative figure in European politics, paving the way for a more interconnected and resilient future for the continent and beyond.
