Strengthening EU-India Relations

The visit of European Council President and European Commission President to India for the Republic Day celebrations and the EU-India Summit marks a significant enhancement in EU-India relations. This reflects a broader increase in engagement between New Delhi and the EU.

Context and Global Dynamics

• US President's actions have strained transatlantic relationships, affecting security, economics, and values.
• Global challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine war, economic pressures from China, and fragmenting multilateralism have increased strategic pressure on the EU.
• Europe is seeking a sovereign future, independent of the US, requiring new alliances and partnerships.
• India faces similar global shifts, necessitating adjustments in its strategic engagements.

India's Strategic Adjustments

• Strengthening domestic capacities and affirming strategic autonomy.
• Reframing traditional relationships and expanding plurilateral engagements.
• Diversifying partnerships to mitigate risks and enhance influence.

EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

The anticipated conclusion of the EU-India FTA is a key element in the relationship:

• Revived in 2021 with greater ambition after being abandoned more than a decade ago.
• The FTA aims to diversify trade and investment, deeply integrate India into global value chains, and stimulate resilient supply chains.
• It will foster greater industrial and technological collaboration.

Technology and Innovation Collaboration

• Joint efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in digital era technologies such as AI and semiconductors.
• Collaboration to prevent a global duopoly and emphasize the public character of digital technology.
• Science, technology, and innovation to drive partnership in addressing global priorities and supporting Global South development.

Bilateral Relations with Key EU Member States

• France is a long-standing strategic partner with collaborations in defense, nuclear, and space sectors.
• Germany, Spain, Italy, and Nordic countries are enhancing their strategic cooperation with India.

Defense and Security Cooperation

• Collaborative development, production, and supply chain efforts in advanced defense platforms.
• Cooperation in new conflict domains such as maritime, space, and cyberspace.
• Counter-terrorism efforts focusing on technical and intelligence cooperation.

Challenges and Future Direction

• Need for cohesive and sovereign EU foreign and security policy.
• Concerns over India's relationship with Russia and Europe's relations with China.
• Differences in multilateral forums and on political and human-rights issues.
• Continuous engagement and dialogue required to overcome mutual constraints and build trust.

The EU and India, with nearly 2 billion people, have the potential to shape a new multipolar global order, focusing on resilience, security, and prosperity despite challenges. The views presented are personal opinions of a retired ambassador, currently the chairman of the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).