Today, the EU is proposing a new strategic agenda to raise bilateral relations with India to a higher level.
The European Commission and the High Representative adopted a Joint Communication outlining a ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda marking a significant milestone in EU-India relations. This initiative, announced by President von der Leyen in her Political Guidelines for 2024-2029, aims to deepen, broaden, and better coordinate bilateral cooperation, enhance prosperity and security for both partners and help tackle major global challenges.
President Ursula von der Leyen said “Now is the time to focus on reliable partners and double down on partnerships rooted in shared interests and guided by common values. With our new EU–India strategy, we are taking our relationship to the next level. Advancing trade, investment and talent mobility. Strengthening our joint economic security. Advancing the clean transition and driving innovation together. Deepening our industrial cooperation in defence. Europe is already Indias biggest trading partner and we are committed to finalising our Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. Europe is open for business. And we are ready to invest in our shared future with India.”
Following the Colleges visit to India in February, the Joint Communication outlines the EUs strategic vision for enhancing cooperation with New Delhi. It identifies five areas of shared interest and complementary strengths, building on existing ties while addressing areas that present potential for increased engagement. Amid shifting geopolitical realities, closer EU–India relations are increasingly vital for strengthening economic growth and security, and diversifying supply chains in response to todays uncertain global order. Beyond the bilateral dimension, the new strategic agenda highlights EU-India joint engagement on global issues and with third partners, reflecting Indias growing global influence.
Prosperity, sustainability, technology and innovation
The Joint Communication identifies significant untapped potential in trade and investment, outlining strategies to strengthen commercial ties, particularly finalising the ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). It proposes reinforcing supply chains while promoting critical emerging technologies and engagement on digital issues, with particular attention to strengthening economic security within the Trade and Technology Council (TTC). This new strategy also proposes deepening tech cooperation, including a potential EU-India Startup partnership, and invites India to associate with Horizon Europe programme. It suggests ambitious initiatives for decarbonisation and the clean transition, such as intensifying cooperation on renewables, developing green hydrogen capabilities and expanding green finance. Moreover, it highlights opportunities to jointly strengthen food security, and health, climate and disaster resilience.
Security and defence
The Joint Communication takes forward the proposed EU-India Security and Defence Partnership. This will enhance strategic consultations and joint initiatives, including on crisis management, maritime security, cyber defence, and counterterrorism, and foster defence industrial cooperation, focusing on boosting production and technological capabilities, securing supply chains, and driving innovation. Launching negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate classified information exchange will support closer security and defence cooperation. Closer cooperation on the Indo-Pacific, addressing hybrid threats, space security, and intensifying engagement on Russias war against Ukraine, shadow fleets, and sanctions are other areas of focus.
Connectivity and global issues
The Joint Communication emphasises strengthening regional connectivity initiatives, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and advances Global Gateway and EU-India trilateral cooperation with and in third countries. It aims to enhance cooperation with India in multilateral forums and encourage India to advance international law, multilateral values and global governance.
Enablers across pillars
The Joint Communication prioritises maximising interaction and strengthening EU-India coordination at all levels. This includes skills mobility with the pilot European Legal Gateway Office to facilitate labour mobility. It proposes developing a comprehensive mobility cooperation framework covering study, work, and research. In addition to deeper engagement with civil society, youth and think tanks, further reach out to the businesses community is supported by the proposal for an EU-India Business Forum.
Next steps
Building on the proposals outlined in the Joint Communication, the EU stands ready to work with India to develop a joint comprehensive strategic agenda that is driven by shared priorities and delivers mutual benefits. It seeks to complement the engagement of EU Member States, with adoption of Council Conclusions foreseen at the Foreign Affairs Council in October.
