From darkness to light...: EU chief invokes Makar Sankranti after India trade deal

As India and the EU concluded a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) amid global trade tensions, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday invoked Makar Sankranti to highlight a "new opening chapter in India-EU friendship".

Delivering her remarks alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, Ursula von der Leyen likened the trade deal to Uttarayan — the sun’s northward journey celebrated during Makar Sankranti — which signifies movement from darkness to light, stillness to growth, and old cycles to new beginnings.

"As we conclude this 16th summit. Let me reflect on another event of deep meaning. Two weeks ago, India marked Makar Sankranti. It's the beginning of Uttarayan, the Sun's northward journey – from darkness to light, from stillness to growth, from what was to what can be," she said.

"And that is what makes our summit so unique and timely. The time is right for renewed, for fresh momentum and for opening a new chapter in EU-India friendship," she said.