European Parliament Delegation Concludes EU–India Inter Parliamentary Visit to New Delhi and Bengaluru

The European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with India, chaired by Ms. Angelika Niebler, has concluded its official visit to New Delhi and Bengaluru, with the Bengaluru leg centred on exchanges with European and Indian businesses following the conclusion of the EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The visit underlined the role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing the EU–India strategic partnership and translating the new trade framework into concrete opportunities for stakeholders.

According to an official press release issued by the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with India and public updates from the EU Delegation to India’s official accounts (@EU_in_India) on X and Instagram, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the Delegation travelled to India “to bring our strategic partnership with India to life” through meetings with political leaders, businesses and experts in both New Delhi and Bengaluru.

EU–India ties advance with stronger political alignment and economic cooperation.

Engagements in New Delhi

In New Delhi, the European Parliament Delegation for relations with India met Lok Sabha Speaker Mr. Om Birla, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Commerce and Industry Minister Mr. Piyush Goyal to review the state of EU–India ties and the outcome of the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement. Discussions focused on the strategic partnership, parliamentary exchanges and next steps for implementing the FTA, with both sides underlining the importance of democratic values and rule‑based multilateralism in guiding future cooperation.

Business-focused programme in Bengaluru

In Bengaluru, the programme focused on exchanges with European and Indian businesses in the context of the recently concluded EU–India FTA. The Delegation engaged with companies and industry representatives to discuss how the new trade framework could support investment, value chains and partnerships in sectors of mutual interest. The emphasis on Bengaluru, India’s technology and innovation hub, reflected the economic and industrial dimension of the parliamentary visit and the interest in linking the FTA to business‑driven co‑operation on the ground.

Emphasis on the EU–India Free Trade Agreement

Following the conclusion of the visit, Ms. Angelika Niebler stated that “the importance of the EU-India relations has never been greater,” noting that “successfully concluding trade negotiations, reinforcing ties on security and defence, setting the agenda of cooperation for the next years – these are strong actions that EU and India have taken.” She described the partnership’s delivery as “a triple win situation: it is a win the EU, for India and for the rule-based international order,” and identified the Free Trade Agreement as “a good example in this regard,” while recalling that the European Parliament “has the responsibility to scrutinize [the FTA] before it votes on the consent.”

EU–India partnership delivering prosperity, security, and global stability.

Parliamentary dialogue and strategic agenda

During the Inter‑Parliamentary Meeting held as part of the visit, the Delegation and its Indian counterparts discussed the state of play in EU–India relations following the India–EU Summit and underlined the importance of strengthening inter‑parliamentary co‑operation. The Delegation also held exchanges with think‑tanks, civil society organisations and experts, contributing to a wider dialogue on how the strategic partnership can support prosperity and security for citizens in both regions. Ms. Niebler stressed that continuing to build trust between the two sides will be essential to ensure that the outcomes of recent agreements, including the FTA, effectively benefit Europeans and Indians and allow the current “EU‑India moment” to thrive.

Delegation from across the political spectrum

The Delegation for relations with India comprised 11 Members of the European Parliament drawn from a broad range of political groups and member states: Angelika Niebler (EPP, Germany), Niels Flemming Hansen (EPP, Denmark), Vladimir Prebilič (Greens/EFA, Slovenia), Younous Omarjee (The Left, France), Pilar del Castillo (EPP, Spain), Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D, Belgium), Kristian Vigenin (S&D, Bulgaria), Mario Mantovani (ECR, Italy), Morten Løkkegaard (Renew, Denmark), Kai Tegethoff (Greens/EFA, Germany) and Mary Khan (ESN, Germany). Their joint visit to New Delhi and Bengaluru, as highlighted by the European Parliament press release and EU Delegation communications, marked the completion of the 16th EU–India Inter‑Parliamentary Meeting under the new phase of the EU–India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda.