European Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday said the conclusion of a comprehensive trade agreement between the European Union and India carried special personal significance for him, citing his Indian heritage and long-standing connection to the country. The agreement was announced following high-level talks in New Delhi, where Costa addressed a joint press conference alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Speaking at the event, Costa revealed that he holds an overseas Indian citizenship card and described the moment as deeply meaningful. He said that while he now serves as President of the European Council, his personal ties to India add an emotional dimension to the growing partnership between New Delhi and Brussels. Costa noted that the agreement represents more than an economic milestone, symbolizing shared democratic values and a joint commitment to stability and cooperation at a time of global uncertainty.
Costa said the trade negotiations, which had been relaunched during a previous summit in May 2021, were concluded with a clear message to the international community. He emphasized that as the global order continues to evolve, the European Union and India are positioning themselves as strategic and dependable partners. According to him, the agreement aims to deliver tangible benefits for citizens on both sides while supporting peace, sustainable development, and long-term economic growth.
Highlighting the democratic foundations of the partnership, Costa described the European Union and India as the world’s two largest democratic entities working together to shape a resilient and balanced global framework. He stressed that the strengthened relationship is intended not only to enhance trade but also to contribute to broader geopolitical stability and cooperation across multiple sectors.
Costa also spoke openly about his family’s roots in Goa, underscoring the personal bond he feels with India. He said he takes pride in his heritage, noting that his father’s family originated from Margão in Goa, which was a Portuguese territory at the time. He described the historical and cultural links between Europe and India as something he has experienced not only professionally but personally throughout his life.
His father, Orlando da Costa, was a well-known writer whose family background reflected the long-standing connections between Portugal and Goa. Costa’s paternal grandfather was born in Goa, a fact that the European Council president has previously referenced as an influence on his outlook and identity. He has often spoken about how this heritage has shaped his understanding of cultural exchange and international cooperation.
Born in Lisbon in 1961, Costa’s political journey spans decades of public service. Trained as a lawyer, he entered politics at a young age and gradually rose through Portugal’s political system. He served as a parliamentarian and held several ministerial positions before becoming Mayor of Lisbon, where he earned recognition for his inclusive governance and administrative leadership.
In 2015, Costa assumed office as Prime Minister of Portugal, leading the country through a period of economic recovery and social reform while reinforcing Portugal’s role within the European Union. His tenure was marked by consensus-building and a pragmatic approach to governance, qualities that later contributed to his selection for a senior European role.
In 2024, European Union leaders chose Costa to serve as President of the European Council, a position he formally took on in December. As he steps into this role, Costa continues to highlight his Indian heritage as a personal bridge between Europe and India, reflecting the broader narrative of shared history and future cooperation that now underpins the EU-India trade partnership.
