Answer

Introduction

As global geopolitics undergo fragmentation, India-Europe relations are gaining renewed relevance. The European Union is India’s third-largest trading partner, and EU FDI in India grew by 70% between 2015 and 2022. With both sides navigating shifting power alignments and shared concerns over strategic autonomy, multilateral reform, and inclusive growth, their partnership is evolving from limited engagement to comprehensive collaboration.

Body

Evolving Nature of India-Europe Relations in the Changing Global Order

• Transatlantic Drift and Europe’s Strategic Autonomy: Europe’s discomfort with U.S. unpredictability has encouraged a pivot towards India as a reliable partner.
  Eg: The erosion of NATO solidarity have spurred strategic recalibration in Germany, France, and Canada.
• India’s Shift from Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment: India is evolving from traditional non-alignment to proactive, issue-based multi-alignment.
  Eg: India and Europe increasingly advocate for multipolarity rooted in plural values and international law.
• Strategic Engagement with Major European Powers: Bilateral relations with France, Germany, and Nordic nations are deepening in scope and strategic vision.
  Eg: Regular diplomatic exchanges, such as the Raisina Dialogue (2025), underline growing trust.
• Realignment Amid Global Power Transitions: As the U.S.-China bipolar contest intensifies, both India and Europe are redefining their roles as stabilising middle powers.
  Eg: The Indo-Pacific strategy and European outreach in the Mediterranean reflect these adjustments.
• Soft Power and Value-Based Diplomacy: The relationship is also animated by cultural respect and shared emphasis on democracy and sustainability.
  Eg: EU leaders’ symbolic visits to India signal a shift from transactional to values-based diplomacy.
• Public Perception and Strategic Mindsets: Acknowledging each other’s internal transitions can transform stereotypes into strategic empathy.
  Eg: India must appreciate Europe’s complex shifts; Europe must see India as more than a “reluctant partner”.

Key Challenges in India-Europe Relations 

• Strategic Autonomy vs Alliance Politics: India’s policy of multi-alignment often diverges from Europe’s expectations of alignment on issues like the Russia-Ukraine war.
• Divergent China Strategies: China poses a strategic threat on India, while Europe’s deep trade ties with Beijing hinder Indo-Pacific coordination and supply chain alignment.
• Trade Disagreements and Carbon Protectionism: India is concerned about the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which may act as a trade barrier for Indian exports under the guise of climate action.
• Human Rights and Values Diplomacy: Some European states often raise issues around civil liberties, religious freedoms, or digital surveillance in India, which New Delhi sees as intrusive.
• Mobility and Migration Issues: Visa restrictions, limited educational and professional mobility pathways, and slow progress on migration and mobility agreements restrict people-to-people ties.

How Deeper Collaboration Can Promote Stability and Inclusive Order

• Trade and Economic Corridors for Resilience: Enhanced trade ties and initiatives like IMEC can become engines of connectivity and equitable growth.
  Eg: India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) envisioned it as a modern Silk Road.
• Green Transition and Equitable Climate Cooperation: A fair interpretation of climate policies can help reconcile ambition with developmental equity.
  Eg: The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism must align with India’s green transition needs.
• Digital Cooperation and Tech Sovereignty: Joint ventures in digital architecture, AI governance, and semiconductor production can reshape global tech norms.
  Eg: India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, Software strength complements Europe’s deep-tech leadership and clean energy innovation.
• Human Mobility for Innovation Exchange: Mobility partnerships can unlock talent exchange and knowledge capital.
  Eg: Student and scientist mobility agreements will fertilise bilateral innovation and employment.
• Defence and Maritime Collaboration: Joint efforts in defence production, cyber-security, and terrorism can build mutual trust.
  Eg: Under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Europe’s ReArm 2025, co-development and tech transfer possibilities grow.

Conclusion

Amid shifting power dynamics, India and Europe can forge a partnership of conviction rooted in multipolarity, democracy, and inclusive governance. By aligning India’s demographic strength with Europe’s institutional expertise, they can help shape a stable, rule-based global order.

DOWNLOAD PDF