'India One Of The Most Important Players’: EU Unveils Strategic Agenda To Strengthen Ties With New Delhi

The European Union (EU) has unveiled a new “Strategic EU-India Agenda” aimed at elevating bilateral relations across trade, technology, defence, connectivity, and climate action, Indian Express reported.

The announcement comes as India continues careful engagement with the United States under President Donald Trump amid tariff tensions, positioning Europe as a parallel pillar in New Delhi’s global outreach.

Strengthening the Partnership

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the initiative as a step towards a stronger, values-based partnership.

“Now is the time to 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,” she said.

The strategy, announced by von der Leyen and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, outlines an ambitious roadmap, from accelerating Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks to expanding cooperation in defence and emerging technologies.

Trade and Economic Focus

Von der Leyen confirmed that the EU is working towards concluding a comprehensive FTA with India by the end of the year.

“The free trade agreement with India will be the largest deal of its kind anywhere in the world,” she said, noting that Europe is already India’s biggest trading partner and is ready to invest in a shared future.

The joint communication adopted by European Commission highlights untapped potential in trade and investment, proposing strengthened supply chains, deeper engagement on digital technologies, and a possible EU-India startup partnership. It also encourages India’s association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme.

Security and Defence Dimensions

The document marks a significant shift in security ties, proposing a formal EU-India Security and Defence Partnership. This includes maritime cooperation, cyber defence, crisis management, counterterrorism, and industrial collaboration to bolster defence production.

A Security of Information Agreement is planned to enable the exchange of classified data.

Closer coordination in the Indo-Pacific, joint initiatives against hybrid threats, and deeper engagement on the war in Ukraine also feature prominently in the agenda.

Connectivity and Global Governance

The EU emphasised regional connectivity projects, notably the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), alongside its Global Gateway initiative.

The agenda also seeks enhanced cooperation in multilateral forums, closer alignment on international law, and expanded trilateral engagements with third countries.

Mobility and people-to-people ties have been given special focus, with proposals for a comprehensive framework on study, work, and research opportunities, supported by the establishment of an EU-India Business Forum and a pilot European Legal Gateway Office.

Balancing Opportunities and Differences

Top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas acknowledged that while opportunities are vast, differences remain—particularly India’s energy and defence ties with Russia.

“India’s participation in Russian military exercises and its purchase of Russian oil stand in the way of closer ties,” she noted.

Still, Kallas underlined the EU’s willingness to strengthen the partnership: “India is one of the most important players in the world today and a natural partner for the European Union. Boosting our collaboration will benefit the security and prosperity of citizens and businesses on both sides.”

Leaders Exchange Greetings and Commitments

On the day of the launch of the initaitive, von der Leyen extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi via X (formerly Twitter).

“Together we’ll open a new chapter in our partnership,” she wrote, also referencing discussions on trade and support for Ukraine.

Modi responded by welcoming the new strategy: “India is ready to take the India-EU relationship to the next level. It is our shared commitment, shared goal, and shared responsibility.”

He reiterated India’s position on seeking an “early and peaceful resolution” to the Ukraine conflict.

The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Modi has invited EU leaders for the next India-EU Summit in India next year, framing it as an opportunity to consolidate the agenda.

The Road Ahead

The EU’s latest initiative follows the collective visit of its College of Commissioners to India earlier this year.

With a multi-pronged focus—from defence and trade to climate action and civil society engagement—the strategy reflects Europe’s growing recognition of India’s global role amid shifting geopolitical currents.

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