Today, the European Union has set out an ambitious vision to strengthen its partnership with India through a newly proposed Strategic EU-India Agenda. The European Commission and the High Representative have adopted a Joint Communication that represents a pivotal step forward in bilateral relations. Announced by President Ursula von der Leyen as part of her 2024–2029 Political Guidelines, the agenda seeks to deepen cooperation, boost prosperity and security, and confront shared global challenges.

President von der Leyen underscored the importance of building on shared values and reliable partnerships, emphasising that the new EU–India strategy aims to take the relationship to the next level. She highlighted priorities such as advancing trade, investment, and talent mobility, strengthening joint economic security, accelerating the clean transition, fostering innovation, and deepening industrial cooperation in defence. Von der Leyen noted that Europe is already India’s largest trading partner and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to finalising a Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. She stressed that Europe remains open for business and ready to invest in a shared future with India.

The agenda builds upon the College’s visit to India earlier this year, identifying five core areas of cooperation. It reflects the EU’s strategic vision for bolstering ties with New Delhi, highlighting shared interests in economic resilience, security, sustainability, and global governance. At a time of shifting geopolitical realities, the EU positions India as a vital partner for diversifying supply chains, ensuring economic growth, and strengthening global stability.

Driving Prosperity, Sustainability, and Innovation

Central to the new strategy is the expansion of trade and investment opportunities, with a clear emphasis on finalising the long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement. The EU highlights the potential to reinforce supply chains and expand collaboration on critical emerging technologies. Within the framework of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, efforts will focus on digitalisation, economic security, and a proposed EU-India Startup Partnership. The agenda also extends an invitation for India to participate in the Horizon Europe programme, underscoring opportunities in research and innovation.

Equally important are the initiatives for sustainability and clean energy transition. These include intensifying cooperation on renewable energy, promoting green hydrogen, expanding green finance, and supporting decarbonisation. The agenda further highlights shared commitments to food and health security, climate action, and disaster resilience—areas that reflect both immediate and long-term priorities for both partners.

Strengthening Security, Defence, and Global Connectivity

On security and defence, the Joint Communication advances plans for an EU-India Security and Defence Partnership. This will involve enhanced strategic consultations and collaboration in areas such as maritime security, cyber defence, crisis management, and counterterrorism. The EU also proposes negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate the exchange of classified information, strengthening trust and operational capability. Industrial cooperation in defence, with a focus on innovation and supply chain security, forms another pillar of this partnership.

Beyond bilateral ties, the EU stresses the importance of joint engagement on global issues. Key initiatives include the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), the Global Gateway, and EU-India trilateral projects with third countries. The agenda also calls for enhanced collaboration in multilateral forums, encouraging India to contribute to shaping international law, global governance, and plurilateral values.

The EU further commits to enabling mobility and people-to-people connections, with initiatives such as the European Legal Gateway Office and a comprehensive framework for study, research, and labour mobility. Engagement with businesses, youth, and civil society will be reinforced through platforms like the proposed EU-India Business Forum.

As next steps, the EU stands prepared to work with India on developing a comprehensive strategic agenda aligned with shared priorities. Formal adoption of Council Conclusions is expected at the Foreign Affairs Council in October, setting the stage for deeper, more resilient cooperation between the two partners.