India, EU discuss ways to strengthen collaboration in urban development

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar highlighted sustainability, resilience and deeper India-EU ties as key priorities. File
| Photo Credit: ANI

India and the European Union on Friday (February 28, 2025) discussed ways to strengthen collaboration in urban development with a focus on greener, smarter and more inclusive cities.

A delegation of the EU, including Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, and Jozef Síkela, Commissioner for International Partnerships, called on Union Minister of Urban Affairs M.L. Khattar, according to a statement by the Urban Affairs Ministry.

Mr. Khattar highlighted sustainability, resilience and deeper India-EU ties as key priorities. With the partnership entering its third decade, he emphasised on joint efforts for greener, smarter and more inclusive cities.

On Thursday (February 27, 2025), Union Minister of Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management.

The meeting was part of the high-level two-day visit of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who is accompanied by the College of Commissioners, comprising 26 Ministers.

During their discussions, Ms. Devi and Ms. Lahbib explored avenues to strengthen India-EU collaboration in the areas of women empowerment, and child welfare. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fostering inclusive policies that enhance the well-being of women and children, particularly those from vulnerable and marginalised communities.

The Women and Child Development Minister highlighted key initiatives of the Government of India, including Mission Shakti, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and various other schemes.

Ms. Lahbib commended India’s progress in women empowerment and reiterated the European Union’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in this domain. She underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges related to women empowerment and crisis response.