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.

Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman to lead the European Commission, is on a significant two-day visit to India. Her discussions with Indian officials focus on enhancing strategic partnerships and addressing key global issues,

Von der Leyen, accompanied by the EU College of Commissioners or senior political leaders of the bloc, began a high-profile two-day visit to India on Thursday.

A top European Union official on Friday highlighted the 20-year steady relationship between India and the EU, and said that both parties are ready to take the relationship to “next level”, amid a fundamental change in global dynamics.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen experienced India's advanced UPI digital payments system during her visit. She was impressed by its efficiency. PM Modi had earlier highlighted UPI's significance by comparing daily transactions in India to the EU's population.