EU and India: Entering a New Era of Vision and Value

The European Union has formally proposed a ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’ designed to elevate its partnership with India across multiple dimensions, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. Recently adopted by the European Commission and the EU High Representative, this agenda outlines the vision for deepening ties while addressing new global and regional challenges.

Elevating Bilateral Ties: Key Priorities

Announced in September 2025, the Joint Communication structures the partnership around five pillars: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global issues, and enablers across pillars. The agenda prioritises enhancing trade and investment, highlighting ongoing negotiations towards finalising a free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of the year. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored this commitment, stating, “Europe is open for business. And we are ready to invest in our shared future with India. Europe is already India's biggest trading partner, and we are committed to finalising our Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year”.

Boosting Economic and Technology Cooperation

The agenda foregrounds strategies to reinforce supply chains and promote critical and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, high-performance computing, and digital innovation. It also invites India to associate with the Horizon Europe programme and proposes a potential EU-India Startup partnership to foster deeper cooperation among innovators. These efforts are intended to complement existing ties and unlock untapped potential in technology and finance.

Defence, Security, and Regional Cooperation

A core element of the new agenda is to strengthen the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership. This includes enhancing strategic consultations, launching initiatives on crisis management, maritime security, cyber defence, and counterterrorism. The agenda also proposes negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate the exchange of classified information, thereby supporting closer security and defence cooperation.

Additionally, the EU plans to work with India to address hybrid threats, promote space security, and expand joint engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. The document also highlights the intention to work together in international forums on issues such as UN reforms, WTO modernisation, and climate action.

Connectivity and Labour Mobility

The strategy highlights expanding regional connectivity, notably through initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. With an emphasis on skills mobility, the agenda outlines the pilot European Legal Gateway Office and proposals for a comprehensive framework facilitating study, work, and research exchanges between India and the EU.

Official Statements and Tone

President von der Leyen, announcing the agenda in Brussels, remarked: “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”. The agenda is also built upon the acknowledgment of India’s growing global influence and the importance of joint India-EU engagement on global issues and third-party partnerships.

The new strategy, pending ratification by all EU member states, will be adopted at the next scheduled India-EU Summit, expected in the first quarter of the coming year. All developments cited in this coverage are based solely on officially released and confirmed statements and documents.