India-EU Joint Steering Committee Launches Trilateral Development Cooperation Framework

The first meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) for India-EU Trilateral Cooperation was held in New Delhi on January 21, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the India-European Union strategic partnership.

The meeting was co-chaired by Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to India, and Priyanka Chauhan, MEA Joint Secretary.

Reaffirming Trilateral Commitment

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the inaugural JSC meeting represented an important step in strengthening bilateral strategic ties.

The discussions centred on enhancing trilateral cooperation and establishing joint mechanisms to address development challenges in partner countries globally. The JSC reaffirmed India and the EU's commitment towards collaborative development initiatives based on shared values and mutual interests.

Agreed Framework for Development

The committee agreed on modalities to jointly create and implement solutions addressing development challenges worldwide.

The JSC established a collaborative trilateral framework through which both nations would work with partner countries based on shared values, mutual interests, and common developmental priorities.

Development cooperation projects would focus on identified priority sectors and regions, including clean energy infrastructure, green mobility, and digitalisation.

Strategic Convergence

The JSC framework reflects expanding convergence between India and the EU on global development issues.

Both nations are committed to values-based cooperation that ensures long-term resilience and mutual benefit in third-country partnerships. By pooling expertise, resources, and capabilities, the partnership aims to deliver effective development outcomes in partner regions facing socio-economic challenges.

Context within Broader Partnership

This development comes as India and the EU strengthen their relationship across multiple strategic domains.

Since establishing a Trade and Technology Council in 2023, both sides have enhanced cooperation in digital governance, semiconductors, clean energy technologies, and resilient supply chains.

The JSC launch precedes the India-EU Summit scheduled for January 27, 2026, where the two sides are expected to announce significant deliverables in bilateral relations.