Von der Leyen said during a New Delhi visit that the bloc was considering a defense and security partnership with India. The EU is aiming to achieve a free trade agreement with New Delhi ahead of possible US tariffs.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday in an attempt to revive and expand economic ties. The return of Donald Trump to the White House, tensions with China and economic sanctions on Russia have prompted Brussels to push for deeper trading ties with other economies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday welcomed the the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen as she arrived at the Hyderabad House in the national capital for bilateral talks.The President of the 27-nation bloc is on a two-day bilateral visit to India,