New Delhi Apr 25 PTI President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said that it is important for India and European Union EU to engage in strategic and geo-political avenues such as in the Indo-Pacific apart from deepening economic relations In areas such as climate action clean energy sustainable growth digital transformation and research innovation the EU will remain an important partner for achieving Indias high ambition in these areas Kovind said during his meeting with Ursula Von der Leyen the President of European Commission Welcoming the European Commission President to India the president said that India and the European Union are two most vibrant democracies two of the largest open market economies and pluralistic societies Ursula Von der Leyen has called on the president at Rashtrapati Bhavan here Kovind said that India and European Union share a common perspective on many regional and global issues including a shared commitment to promoting an international rule based order based on reformed and effective multilateralismThe strategic partnership that India and EU share is one of the most important relationships for the upcoming decade and strengthening this relationship is a priority for India as it is for the EU a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan saidSpeaking about trade and investment between India and EU the president stated that EU is Indias largest trading partner in goods and also one of the most important sources of Foreign Direct InvestmentHe said that an India-EU Free Trade Agreement would unlock the full potential of India-EU economic relationsKovind stressed that as free-market economies and worlds largest democracies it is important for like-minded countries like India and the EU to deepen its economic engagementThe president said that apart from deepening our economic relations it is important for India and the EU to engage in strategic and geo-political avenues such as in the Indo-PacificWe look forward to the EU and its member states joining the pillars of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative India believes that a more Strategic EU in the Indo-Pacific region would contribute to the regions stability Kovind saidIn a tweet the Rashtrapati Bhavan has said that President of the European Commission vonderleyen called on KovindBoth leaders discussed broadening of India-EU partnership in political and strategic areas as well as trade economy climate sustainability digital connectivity it tweeted PTI AKV RCJ