The Capital was transformed into a vibrant "Little Europe"on Friday night as Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, hosted a reception to celebrate Europe Day.
While the official date is May 9, marking the historic Schuman Declaration, Delhi got an early start bringing together the diplomatic circle.
Reflecting on the global climate, ambassador echoed Prime Minister Modi's sentiment that "today's era should not be an era of war," emphasising the EU's identity as a peace project.
"EU aur Bharat ki dosti asimit, mahatvakankshi aur pragatisheel hai," said European Union Ambassador to India to loud applause while addressing guests in fluent Hindi. "The EU-India partnership is limitless, ambitious and progressive. This is the Europe-India moment."
The evening was graced by the Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Dr Nirmala Sitharaman, as the chief guest. In her speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi earlier this year gave fresh momentum to the strategic partnership between the two sides.
Amidst the clinking of glasses and the aroma of authentic European delicacies, the air was thick with the spirit of Vividhta Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity).
Guests enjoyed an 'Interplay of Dance' performance blending Indian classical forms such as Perini, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Sattriya with European styles like Ballet and Flamenco.
With specialties from EU Member States, guests could literally "eat their way" across the continent, from French cheeses to German pretzels and everything in between.
