12th India-EU summit from Feb 10

The 12th India-EU Summit will be held in New Delhi on Feb 10 offering an opportunity to both the sides to review the entire spectrum of the strategic relationship between India and the European Union (EU) and to discuss bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual concern.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will lead the Indian delegation.

Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council and Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission will lead the EU delegation.

This Summit would be the first such summit in India following the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty.

A preparatory meeting for the summit was held between S.M. Krishna, External Affairs Minister and Baroness Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on Jan 16 in Bengaluru.

"India and the European Union share common values of democracy, respect for civil liberties and rule of law. India's relationship with the EU has grown as our engagements in different areas have intensified over the years.

"This relationship will expand further as EU evolves. India values its relations with the European Union and sees the EU as a key strategic partner," Ministry of External Affairs stated in a statement on Monday.