Being asked about whether the Russia- Ukraine war and the EU sanctions featured in the discussions during the EU President's visit, the MEA confirmed that the sanctions were "not discussed". He also affirmed that the visit was about the India-EU strategic partnership and how to both "elevate and accelerate" it.

European Union leaders are likely to urge India to lower its tariffs on cars and alcoholic beverages, and expand market access during European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's visit to New Delhi.

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 will try to seal a trade deal during this year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.

The European Union plans to urge India to lower its high tariffs on cars and wine to boost trade, as it seeks to reduce its reliance on China, a senior official from the bloc said, ahead of a visit by the European Commission president to New Delhi.