In a historic diplomatic engagement, India and EU Strengthen Strategic Partnership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with the EU College of Commissioners, concluded a landmark two-day visit to India, reinforcing the robust India-EU Strategic Partnership. The visit, which took place on February 27-28, marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind outside Europe under the current EU mandate, reflecting the deepening ties between the two major global players.
Elevating India-EU Relations to New Heights
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President von der Leyen reaffirmed their commitment to elevating India-EU relations, underscoring the importance of their partnership in fostering peace, economic growth, and sustainable development in a rapidly evolving multipolar world. With 20 years of India-EU Strategic Partnership and over three decades of India-EC Cooperation Agreement as a backdrop, both leaders expressed their resolve to strengthen collaboration across various sectors, including trade, technology, climate action, and security.
“The India-EU relationship is built on shared values of democracy, rule of law, and a rules-based international order. Our growing partnership is crucial in addressing global challenges and ensuring stability in an interconnected world,” Prime Minister Modi remarked during a joint statement.
Advancing Trade and Economic Cooperation
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the agreement to accelerate negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), an Investment Protection Agreement, and an Agreement on Geographical Indications. The leaders directed their respective teams to conclude these negotiations within the year, recognizing the central role of economic collaboration in the bilateral relationship.
Additionally, the second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), held during the visit, facilitated discussions on strengthening semiconductor ecosystems, artificial intelligence governance, digital public infrastructure, and green industrial transitions.
Technological Innovation and Green Transition
With a shared vision of a sustainable future, India and the EU committed to deepening cooperation in green energy solutions, including clean hydrogen, offshore wind, solar energy, and sustainable urban mobility. Notably, the leaders welcomed the agreements to establish an India-EU Green Hydrogen Forum and an India-EU Business Summit on Offshore Wind Energy.
Another major step was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bharat 6G Alliance and the EU’s 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association, aimed at fostering innovation in telecommunications and ensuring secure and resilient supply chains.
Strengthening Security and Defense Collaboration
The visit also marked progress in defense and security cooperation, with India expressing interest in joining EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects. Discussions included negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement (SoIA), which would facilitate the exchange of classified information between the two entities.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening maritime security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, through joint exercises and enhanced naval cooperation. The EU’s decision to join India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) was hailed as a step towards greater strategic alignment.
Shared Stance on Global and Regional Issues
Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, India and the EU discussed key global issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East situation. Both leaders expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the principles of international law and the UN Charter. They also reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the need for peaceful coexistence.
Expanding People-to-People Ties
Recognizing the role of human capital in strengthening bilateral relations, India and the EU pledged to enhance exchanges in education, research, tourism, culture, and skilled migration. The leaders agreed to facilitate legal, safe, and orderly migration pathways, ensuring mutual economic benefits by addressing workforce needs.
Concrete Steps for the Future
The leaders outlined several key actions to drive forward their commitments, including:
- Fast-tracking the India-EU FTA – With an ambitious timeline to conclude negotiations by the end of 2025.
- Enhancing defense cooperation – By exploring new initiatives under PESCO and strengthening maritime security coordination.
- Reviewing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) – With a high-level review meeting scheduled to assess progress.
- Strengthening semiconductor and critical technology collaboration – By advancing TTC-led initiatives and fostering industry linkages.
- Bolstering clean and green energy dialogues – Focused on expanding cooperation in hydrogen energy and offshore wind projects.
- Expanding Indo-Pacific cooperation – Through trilateral engagements, particularly in Africa and maritime security.
- Advancing disaster management collaboration – By developing policy frameworks and technical cooperation mechanisms.
President von der Leyen concluded her visit by expressing optimism about the future of India-EU relations. “This visit has solidified the foundation for a new era in our partnership. We look forward to the next India-EU Summit, where we will adopt a renewed Strategic Agenda to drive our cooperation forward,” she stated.
Prime Minister Modi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the collaboration between India and the EU is more critical than ever in ensuring a stable, prosperous, and sustainable global order.
As both sides prepare for the next high-level summit in India, this visit marks a defining moment in India-EU ties, paving the way for deeper economic, technological, and strategic cooperation in the years to come.
