Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the meeting of the European Council on 8 May, Saturday, as a special invitee. The India-EU Leaders' Meeting is hosted by Portuguese Prime Minister  António Costa as Portugal currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
 
Modi will participate in the meeting along with the Heads of State or Government of all the 27 EU Member States. The EU plus 27 have met in this format only once before, with US President Joe Biden in March this year.

The leaders, who will meet virtually, will exchange views on the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare cooperation, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth, strengthening the India-EU economic partnership as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.
 
India-EU Leaders’ Meeting is an unprecedented opportunity for discussion with all the leaders of the EU Member States. It is a significant political milestone and will further build on the momentum witnessed in the relationship since the 15th India-EU Summit in July last year, officials stated.