Council of European Union Approves Strategic EU-India Agenda: Institutional Framework for 27-Member Coordination

The Council of the European Union unanimously approved conclusions on the New Strategic EU-India Agenda on October 20, 2025, establishing an institutional framework that coordinates the foreign policy priorities of all 27 member states toward India. This approval transforms the Joint Communication proposed by the High Representative and European Commission in September 2025 into binding policy direction, instructing EU institutions to articulate and implement the strategic agenda.​

EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin characterized the approval as coming "with the Diwali spirit," noting that all 27 member states demonstrated unanimous support for a comprehensive strategic agenda. The next step involves the EU and India agreeing on a joint roadmap ahead of the summit scheduled for early 2026 in Delhi.​

Coordinating Member State Bilateral Engagement

The Council conclusions explicitly recognize close cooperation between individual EU member states and India, emphasizing the importance of ensuring mutual reinforcement of both the EU's and member states' engagement in priority areas. This institutional recognition addresses the complexity of EU-India relations, where strong bilateral relationships at member state level nourish relations at EU level.​

The Foreign Affairs Council, which brings together foreign ministers of member states and is chaired by the High Representative, serves as the primary institutional mechanism for policy coordination. This configuration ensures continuity in EU-India policy implementation across rotating presidencies.​

Investment Protection Agreement and Financial Cooperation

The Council conclusions specifically support concluding an Investment Protection Agreement in parallel with the Free Trade Agreement negotiations. The Joint Communication stipulates that the IPA should provide "high standards of protection for investors on both sides".​

The Council also supports EU engagement with India to promote stable, resilient international financial markets, including strengthened cooperation on financial supervision. A Memorandum of Understanding between respective independent authorities on clearing would serve as an important tool to maintain financial stability. Additionally, the Council welcomes the EU proposal to upgrade the bilateral Macroeconomic Dialogue.​

Maritime Security: EUNAVFOR Operational Cooperation

The Council conclusions support developing joint sea activities with the Indian Navy, specifically mentioning mobilization of EUNAVFOR ATALANTA and EUNAVFOR ASPIDES. This represents a significant expansion of operational maritime security cooperation beyond dialogue to coordinated naval operations.​

EUNAVFOR ATALANTA conducted its first complex joint exercise with the Indian Navy in June 2025, involving Italian ship Antonio Marceglia, Spanish frigate Reina Sofia, and Indian frigate Trikand. The Council explicitly addresses further reinforcement of maritime situational awareness, with a view to promoting shared assessment, coordination and interoperability. The framework includes sharing best practices and information on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure.​

The Council also looks forward to India's possible participation in civilian and military missions within the framework of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy.​

Security Information Exchange Framework

The Council takes note of steps to conclude a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate exchange of classified information and stronger cooperation in security and defence areas. This agreement could lead to India's participation in EU security and defence initiatives.​

The EU currently maintains such agreements with only seven other countries, underscoring India's strategic importance to European security architecture. The proposed Security and Defence Partnership could provide a comprehensive framework to enable defence industrial cooperation when appropriate.​

Third Country Engagement and Global Gateway

The Council conclusions emphasize developing the outward-looking nature of the EU-India strategic partnership, including through trilateral cooperation with third states. Specific areas include digital public infrastructure, engagement to support climate resilience, and working with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the International Solar Alliance.​

The Council's endorsement of enhanced connectivity cooperation, particularly through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, provides institutional backing for joint engagement in regions such as Africa and the Middle East. The Team Europe Global Gateway investment portfolio in India already exceeds €15 billion spanning renewable energy, water, urban transport and digital infrastructure.