DAVOS, Switzerland (Diya TV) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared she will go to India on her first trip of her new term, aiming for a strengthening of the strategic partnership between the European Union and the largest democracy in the world. Von der Leyen made the plans known to the public during her address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, just one day after US President Donald Trump unveiled his “America First Trade Policy,” which threatens to impose additional tariffs on trade partners.

In her address, von der Leyen emphasized an upgrading of EU relations with India as a particularly key partner of the EU: “Together with Prime Minister Modi, we want to upgrade the strategic partnership with the largest country and democracy in the world.”.

Her announcement follows a high-level India-EU trade and investment dialogue in Brussels, where the two sides agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The EU sees India as a critical partner as global trade dynamics evolve amidst intensifying geopolitical competition.

Von der Leyen also spoke about the broader economic landscape, noting the increasing use of economic tools such as tariffs and sanctions in global competition. She emphasized the need for balance to ensure security while promoting innovation and prosperity, warning against a global “race to the bottom.”

The announcement comes at a time when concerns over trade imbalances are rising. The US trade deficit with India was at $35.32 billion in FY 2024, and India’s trade with the EU was at $75.93 billion in exports and $61.48 billion in imports.