New Delhi/Brussels: The European Union has put forward a fresh strategic vision for its engagement with India, unveiling an agenda to expand cooperation on security, trade, technology, and sustainable development.
The plan, titled “A New Strategic EU-India Agenda”, was released in Brussels by the European Commission and the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, who urged the European Parliament and Council to endorse the proposal.
The initiative was announced as part of President Ursula von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines for 2024–2029, and seeks to deepen, broaden, and better coordinate cooperation with India.
Emphasising security as the backbone of the partnership, Kallas acknowledged existing challenges in EU-India relations. “India’s participation in Russia’s military exercises and its purchase of Russian oil stand in the way of closer ties,” she noted, stressing that the partnership must ultimately be about defending a rules-based international order.
Now is the time to double down on partnerships rooted in shared interests and guided by common values.
With our new EU–India strategy, we are taking our relationship to the next level.
And we are committed to finalising our trade agreement by end of the year.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 17, 2025
Despite these differences, Kallas hailed India as “one of the most important players in the world today and a natural partner for the European Union.”
The Joint Communication outlined proposals for a Security and Defence Partnership, including enhanced consultations, crisis management, maritime security, cyber defence, and counterterrorism cooperation.
It also called for industrial collaboration to boost defence production and technology, alongside a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate classified intelligence exchange.
On the economic front, the agenda prioritises concluding the long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by year-end, reinforcing supply chains, and expanding digital cooperation through the Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
President von der Leyen highlighted the EU’s role as India’s largest trading partner, declaring that, “Europe is open for business. We are committed to finalising our Free Trade Agreement and ready to invest in our shared future with India.”
Did you know? 🇪🇺 + 🇮🇳 together represent ¼ of the world’s population and of the global economy.
Today, we adopted a Joint Communication on India – setting out a forward-looking strategic agenda that: ⬇️
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) September 17, 2025
The Commission proposed new initiatives in emerging technologies, green hydrogen, renewables, and innovation, including a potential EU-India Startup Partnership and India’s association with the Horizon Europe research programme.
The strategic agenda underscores cooperation on climate action, green finance, food security, health resilience, and disaster management. It calls for intensified efforts in decarbonisation and a cleaner energy transition, positioning both partners as leaders in tackling global sustainability challenges.
The EU also stressed the importance of joint efforts in regional connectivity, highlighting projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. It pledged trilateral cooperation with third countries, underlining India’s growing global influence.
The EU & India together represent a quarter of the world’s population & economy.
Today, we are unveiling a new strategic agenda to boost our partnership to a higher level and strengthen our shared prosperity and security.
Keep tuned in! #EUIndiaEkSaath@EUAmbIndia @eu_eeas pic.twitter.com/xNXlqJ2hoo— EU in India (@EU_in_India) September 17, 2025
To support mobility and knowledge exchange, the EU proposed a comprehensive cooperation framework covering study, work, and research opportunities. This includes a pilot European Legal Gateway Office to facilitate labour mobility and a new EU-India Business Forum to boost private-sector collaboration.
The EU said it stands ready to work with India on a joint comprehensive strategic agenda guided by shared priorities. Adoption of the framework is expected at the Foreign Affairs Council in October, marking the next formal step in reshaping EU-India ties.
“Amid shifting geopolitical realities, closer EU–India relations are increasingly vital for strengthening economic growth and security, and diversifying supply chains in response to today’s uncertain global order,” the Commission concluded.
