EU Adopts New Strategic Roadmap for India

18 Sep 2025

EU Adopts New Strategic Roadmap for India

The European Union (EU) has adopted a New Strategic EU-India Agenda to elevate bilateral ties across trade, technology, defence, connectivity, and climate change. 

  • The roadmap aims to finalise an FTA by year-end and strengthen cooperation amid global geopolitical shifts.

Key Announcements

  • Free Trade Agreement (FTA): EU committed to finalising an FTA with India by the end of 2025, calling it the largest deal of its kind globally.
  • Shared Values: The European Commission President Von der Leyen emphasised partnerships “rooted in shared interests and guided by common values.”
  • High-Level Engagement: Joint communication adopted by the European Commission and  its High Representative Kaja Kallas, outlines a comprehensive strategic vision.

Points of Disagreement

  • Russia Factor: EU flagged concerns over India’s participation in Russian military exercises and purchase of Russian oil as hurdles to closer ties.
  • Geopolitical Hesitations: European Commission’s High Representative noted that these disagreements temper otherwise strong convergence of interests.

Areas of Cooperation Identified in the Agenda

  • Trade and Investment:
    • Finalise ongoing FTA negotiations.
    • Strengthen commercial ties and diversify supply chains.
  • Technology and Digital Cooperation:
    • Engagement under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
    • Proposal for an EU-India Startup Partnership.
    • Invitation for India to join the Horizon Europe programme.
  • Defence and Security:
    • Proposed EU-India Security and Defence Partnership.
    • Joint initiatives on crisis management, maritime security, cyber defence, counterterrorism, and defence industrial cooperation.
    • Negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate classified information exchange.
  • Connectivity and Mobility:
    • Strengthen India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and Global Gateway projects.
    • Launch pilot European Legal Gateway Office to facilitate labour mobility.
    • Develop a framework for study, work, and research mobility
  • Global and Regional Cooperation:
    • Joint engagement on global governance, international law, and multilateral forums.
    • Cooperation on Russia’s war in Ukraine, hybrid threats, sanctions, and Indo-Pacific stability.

Significance

  • Strategic Alignment: Positions India as a natural partner of the EU amid shifting global order, especially in economic security and supply chain resilience.
  • Economic Potential: FTA negotiations, if concluded, will reshape global trade architecture, benefitting Indian exports and EU investments.
  • Defence Cooperation: Marks a significant step towards institutionalised security collaboration, including in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Global Governance: Reinforces India’s growing global influence and EU’s recognition of India as essential for maintaining a rules-based order.

Additional Reading: India – EU Free Trade Agreement

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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