EU delegation meets Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Salman Khurshid as part of engagement with political parties
New Delhi, May 15
The head of mission of 27 European Union states met the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and Congress's chief of Foreign Affairs Department, Salman Khurshid, on Thursday as part of an engagement with political parties in India.
Sharing the visuals from the luncheon on X, Ambassador of the EU delegation to India, Herve Delphin, said that HoMs and Congress leaders discussed the EU-India strategic partnership and evolving global geopolitical dynamics.
"As part of our engagement with Indian political parties, EU HoMs had lunch with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi & Congress foreign affairs Head Salman Khurshid. We discussed the thriving EU-India strategic partnership, evolving Indian and global geopolitical dynamics," Delphin posted on X.
Congress in a statement said, "LoP Rahul Gandhi, along with Salman Khurshid, Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Department, AICC, joined the Heads of Mission of the 27 EU Member States for a luncheon hosted by the Delegation of the European Union at Shanti Niketan."
Earlier on May 11, Herve Delphin met with the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, Devendra Fadnavis and Chandrababu Naidu, respectively, on the sidelines of the CII Annual Business Summit 2026.
"EU Business Economic footprint in hits the ground at the State level, where companies produce, invest & generate jobs. Opportunity at #CII Summit to exchange with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Andhra Pradesh CM NCNaidu on opportunities to develop further business links," Delphin said in a statement.
On May 9, India held the Europe Day 2026 celebrations in New Delhi. Delphin said that the European Union and India are aligned on several global priorities and continue to strengthen a consequential and forward-looking partnership built on shared prosperity and cooperation.
In a post on X, he said, "Europe Day reception was a moment celebrating what the EU stands for but also of deeper ties, from Commerce to Culture, from Symbolism to Substance, shared Values & shared Prosperity. EU and India Natural Partners! Chief Guest Minister Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman alongside EU27 Ambassadors."
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is what a responsible opposition does - keeping India's international relationships strong across all fronts. Whether it's EU or US, we need all friends. Proud of our democratic tradition where Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha leaders can meet foreign delegations freely. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Does anyone else feel these meetings happen too often? The EU delegation met Maharashtra and Andhra CMs, now Congress leaders... It's like they're doing a client outreach program! 😅 But seriously, engagement at state level is smart - that's where actual investment decisions happen.
Interesting timing. With Europe Day celebrations and CII Summit, the EU is clearly stepping up its India engagement. While Congress gets flak for being 'anti-establishment', at least they're maintaining diplomatic channels. Though I wish the government would also include these briefings in Parliament more transparently.
As a young professional, I'm glad India is being taken seriously by the EU. But we need to push harder on technology transfers and student visas for the next generation of Indian innovators. These luncheons are nice, but give us practical outcomes! 😊
Living in Delhi as an expat, it's refreshing to see Indian opposition leaders engage with the EU. This shows the depth of Indian democracy - unlike many countries where foreign delegations only meet the ruling party. This bodes well for long-term EU-India relations regardless of election outcomes.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.