European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will ask for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assistance to enforce sanctions on Russia when the two leaders meet this week in New Delhi.

Its their first commitment to a deadline on talks that have been going for years, as they look to soften the effect of tariff increases from the US.

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is in Delhi to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties with India amid looming tariff threats from the US. Von der Leyen is due to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

India and the European Union have agreed to finalize a long-pending free trade agreement this year and boost cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity and defense, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Commission chief said Friday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauds after the press statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, left, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday said the EU and India have agreed to push to get a long-pending free trade agreement done this year and that the two sides will strengthen their partnership in the areas of trade,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on imparting fresh momentum to the India-European Union (EU) strategic partnership.

A large delegation of the European Commission on Friday held talks with Indian officials in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of the European Commission,Ursula von der Leyen in the national capital.

India and the EU announced strategic agreements covering trade, technology, security, and sustainability. The two sides also pledged to complete a Free Trade Agreement by year-end.

By the end of the year, the European Commission plans to finalize a free trade agreement with India. The EU also intends to strengthen cooperation with Delhi in the technology, defence, and security sectors,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, focusing on imparting fresh momentum to the India-European Union (EU) strategic partnership.