EU unveils new strategy to deepen India partnership

The European Union proposed a new strategic agenda to elevate bilateral relations with India, aiming to boost prosperity and security while tackling shared global challenges, according to a press-release by the European Commission. The European Commission and High Representative adopted a Joint Communication outlining the “New Strategic EU-India Agenda” that marks a significant milestone in relations between the two partners. President Ursula von der Leyen announced the initiative in her Political Guidelines for 2024-2029, emphasizing cooperation on trade, investment, talent mobility, and defense industrial partnerships.

The strategy targets five key areas following the Commission’s February visit to India. Trade and investment take center stage, with the EU committed to finalizing a Free Trade Agreement by year-end while strengthening supply chains and promoting critical emerging technologies through the Trade and Technology Council. The plan also proposes an EU-India Startup partnership and invites India to associate with the Horizon Europe research program. Clean transition initiatives include intensified cooperation on renewables, green hydrogen development, and expanded green finance.

Security and defense cooperation gets a major boost through the proposed EU-India Security and Defence Partnership. This includes enhanced consultations on crisis management, maritime security, cyber defense, and counterterrorism, plus defense industrial cooperation focused on production capabilities and supply chain security. The EU plans to launch negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement enabling classified information exchange. Additional focus areas include Indo-Pacific cooperation, hybrid threats, space security, and joint engagement on Russia’s war against Ukraine.

High Representative Kaja Kallas called India “one of the most important players in the world today and a natural partner for the European Union.” The next steps include developing a joint comprehensive strategic agenda driven by shared priorities, with Council Conclusions expected at the October Foreign Affairs Council meeting.