India-EU strategic agenda

Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: Agreements involving India, Issue: India-EU Strategic Partnership.

Context:

The India-EU Strategic Agenda (September 2025) sets out a framework to strengthen ties across five pillars: economy, connectivity, emerging technologies, security & defence, and people-to-people links.

Key Takeaways:

EU-India Strategic Roadmap: Background and Vision:

• The roadmap was unveiled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. 
• It is presented as part of the EU’s joint communication on a New Strategic EU-India Agenda, reflecting the bloc’s intent to deepen relations with India.
• The Commission emphasised the shared values and mutual benefits driving the partnership, noting that Europe is already India’s largest trading partner. 
• It highlighted the aim to finalise the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India by the end of the year, which would become the largest deal of its kind globally.
• At the same time, EU officials acknowledged points of contention, such as India’s purchase of Russian oil and participation in Russian military exercises, which could pose challenges in advancing ties.

Key Areas of Cooperation:

Trade and Economic Ties:

• The EU is India’s biggest trading partner and views the FTA as a central element of the roadmap.
• The strategy emphasises diversifying supply chains, enhancing investment flows, and fostering a conducive environment for business.
• The proposal includes the creation of an EU-India Business Forum to increase business-to-business engagement.

Technology and Innovation:

• A strong focus has been placed on critical emerging technologies, digital transformation, and strengthening the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
• Initiatives include deepening digital cooperation, supporting startups, and inviting India to associate with the Horizon Europe programme, aimed at research and innovation.

Defence and Security Cooperation:

• The roadmap introduces a proposed EU-India Security and Defence Partnership, covering maritime security, cyber defence, crisis management, and counterterrorism.
• It suggests launching negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate classified information exchange.
• The plan also emphasises strengthening defence industrial collaboration to boost technological capabilities and innovation.

Connectivity and Global Governance:

• The roadmap highlights regional connectivity initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and trilateral cooperation projects under the EU Global Gateway.
• It prioritises cooperation in multilateral forums, promoting international law, and supporting global governance reforms.
• Labour mobility is also being addressed through a European Legal Gateway Office and a broader mobility cooperation framework covering study, work, and research opportunities.

Climate Change and Sustainability:

• The agenda commits both sides to advancing climate action and clean energy cooperation, aligning with their shared global responsibility to combat climate change.
• Cooperation will also extend to sustainable development initiatives and green technologies.

The India-EU Strategic Agenda is a roadmap to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, security, and culture, reflecting a shared commitment to a rules-based order, sustainability, and resilient connectivity. Despite challenges in trade, regulations, and migration, sustained dialogue and pragmatic collaboration can make the partnership a key pillar of global stability amid shifting power dynamics.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-india-eu-strategic-agenda-10273658

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