EU unveils wide-ranging plan to strengthen partnership with India in trade, technology and defense

The European Union has adopted a new strategic agenda to upgrade its bilateral relationship with India, widening cooperation across trade, technology, defence, connectivity and climate change.

The announcement came through a joint communication by the European Commission and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy.

The joint communication proposes a security and defense partnership to deepen strategic consultations and joint initiatives on crisis management, maritime security, cyber defense and counterterrorism, and to foster defense industrial cooperation with an emphasis on production, technological capabilities and securing supply chains.

The document also calls for launching negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate exchange of classified information. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that now is the time to deepen partnerships “rooted in shared interests and guided by common values.”

She said the EU is committed to finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India by the end of the year, calling it “the largest deal of its kind anywhere in the world.”

The roadmap identifies five areas of shared interest and complementary strengths. Among them are economic ties and trade, enhanced cooperation in emerging technologies, strengthening supply chains, and advancement of digital issues through the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC).

On defense and security, the agenda proposes expanding strategic consultations and joint actions such as maritime security, cyber defence, counterterrorism, and crisis management.

The EU will also push for defense industrial cooperation, focusing on boosting production, technological capabilities, securing supply chains, and innovation.

A Security of Information Agreement is to be negotiated to facilitate exchange of classified information.

The joint document also addresses connectivity and mobility cooperation. It proposes advancing regional connectivity initiatives including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and working more intensively through multilateral forums and third-party partnerships.

A framework for mobility cooperation covering study, work, and research is also envisaged.

The EU has flagged issues that complicate closer ties. Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative, stated that India’s participation in Russian military exercises and its purchase of Russian oil are points of disagreement.

President von der Leyen posted on X congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday and referencing the new agenda.

PM Modi also thanked her and said India was “ready to take the India-EU relationship to the next level” and affirmed India’s commitment to an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the two leaders “welcomed efforts towards further strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership” and stressed mutual goals of prosperity, stability and a rules-based order.