New Delhi, Jan. 27 -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that political ties between Europe and India have never been stronger, pointing to growing strategic convergence following the conclusion of a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the launch of a Security and Defence Partnership.

Addressing a banquet held in her honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, von der Leyen said, "The political ties between Europe and India have never been stronger. Our scale gives us global influence, whether in trade, security or international relations. This is why India has risen to the top of global politics, a development Europe welcomes."

She underlined the importance of combining strengths, adding, "Just imagine what...