In a rapidly fragmenting global order, India and Europe—both aspiring middle powers—are strengthening their partnership to shape a multipolar, rules-based, and equitable world.

The Evolving Global Chessboard

• Decline of Transatlantic Anchor: The transatlantic realm, traditionally led by the US, is experiencing strategic drift.
• Unpredictability in US Foreign Policy: The US President’s transactional worldview, skepticism toward NATO, and alienation of allies have unsettled Europe.
• Disruption of G-7 Consensus: The G-7 has moved from global consensus to internal contention.
• Eastward Shift by Western Powers:
  • Canada’s Realignment: Canada seeks deeper ties with Europe and rising powers like India, despite past tensions.
  • UK’s Strategic Re-engagement: The UK is overcoming post-Brexit illusions, re-engaging with Europe, and viewing India as a reliable partner.
  • Germany’s Strategic Awakening: Germany is investing in defense and industrial transformation after a long period of passivity.
• Europe’s Strategic Aspiration: Europe is striving to become an independent pole of power.
• Rise of Strategic Autonomy: Strategic autonomy is gaining momentum in key European capitals like Berlin, Warsaw, and Brussels.
• India’s Foreign Policy Shift: India is transitioning from non-alignment to multi-alignment in foreign policy.

Key Pillars of Convergence and Cooperation

• Diplomatic and Institutional Engagement
  • India’s Strategic Pivot to Europe: Demonstrated by high-level diplomacy such as the Prime Minister’s G-7 engagements and ministerial outreach.
  • Expanding India-EU Dialogue: Covers domains like trade, technology, security, and climate change.
  • Deepening Bilateral Engagements: India’s ties with France, Germany, Italy, and countries in Nordic and Eastern Europe are gaining strategic depth.
• Robust Economic Ties
  • Between 2015 and 2022: EU FDI in India rose by 70%, France’s investments in India surged by 373%. EU imports from India have doubled in three years.
  • The India-EU Trade and Investment Agreements should be fast-tracked, starting with an early harvest deal
  • The European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) should be viewed through equity, not climate protectionism. There is a need for funding green tech transfer to importing countries.
  • The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) should be revived as a modern Silk Road enabling transparent and sovereign infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific.
• Technological Partnership
  • Shared Digital Vision: Both sides view digital infrastructure as a public good, not proprietary to Big Tech.
  • Complementary Strengths: Europe leads in deep tech, semiconductors, and digital manufacturing; India leads in software, digital public goods, and platforms.
  • Areas of Tech Synergy: Collaboration can drive innovation in clean energy, biotech, ocean sustainability, food security, and healthcare systems.
• Human Mobility and Talent Exchange
  • Need for a Mobility Agreement: A comprehensive framework for students, researchers, and professionals is vital.
  • Benefits of Talent Exchange: It will enrich the talent pool, tackle unemployment in India, and boost innovation.
  • Cross-Border Knowledge Economy: In today’s idea-driven world, cross-border thinkers are as vital as cross-border capital.
    
• Defence and Counter-Terrorism Collaboration
  • Defence Supply Chain Linkages: Europe remains a significant arms supplier for India.
  • Push for Self-Reliance: India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Europe’s ReArm 2025 create opportunities for co-development and tech transfer.
  • Security Collaboration Areas: Cooperation includes maritime security, cyber defence, space, and counter-terrorism.
  • Need for Political Will on Terror: Europe must take a stronger stand on Pakistan’s support for Islamist extremism.

Shaping a Stable and Equitable World Order

• Joint Custodians of Rules-Based Order: India and Europe must promote a rules-based global order amid rising power politics.
• Realist Coalition Approach: Their vision is based on stability through coalitions, not coercion.
• Shared Global Beliefs:
  • Commitment to multilateralism
  • Resistance to binary geopolitics
  • Focus on empowering the Global South
• Leadership in Global Forums: This shared ethic should guide joint leadership at the UN, WTO, and global AI governance platforms.

Beyond Policies: Changing Perceptions

• A successful partnership requires more than just policy alignment; it demands a change in perception. 
• Public sentiment, media narratives, and political attention must align with strategic intent. 
• India must appreciate Europe’s complex transitions with greater nuance, and Europe must move beyond outdated stereotypes of India as a reluctant partner.
• Recent positive developments, such as the Raisina Dialogue in Marseille and the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Delhi, signal promising steps towards closer collaboration

Conclusion

The coming decade demands a sense of purpose. India and Europe, long circling one another, must now walk in step. Their shared values and strategic compulsions form a partnership not of convenience, but of deep conviction, promising a more stable, inclusive, and equitable world for all.

DOWNLOAD PDF