A new chapter unfolds in India-EU relations as a high-level delegation from the European Commission arrives in New Delhi for a two-day visit. Led by President Ursula von der Leyen, 22 of the 27 European Commissioners are part of this significant diplomatic mission. This visit, the first-ever joint trip of the College of Commissioners outside Europe, marks a crucial milestone in bilateral ties as both sides seek to enhance cooperation in trade, technology, and security. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met President von der Leyen, discussing key aspects of India-EU cooperation and reinforcing the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
The India-EU Strategic Partnership, now entering its third decade, has witnessed continuous growth since its foundation in 1962. Over the years, structured dialogues and summits have paved the way for deep engagement across multiple sectors. The current visit is expected to further this momentum by strengthening economic and technological collaboration, with key focus areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and sustainable urban development. The delegation will also engage in discussions on resilient supply chains, defence, and space cooperation.
The India-EU Trade and Technology Council stands at the heart of this evolving partnership. Established as a strategic coordination mechanism, the TTC is designed to facilitate collaboration in digital and strategic technologies, clean energy, and trade-related initiatives. The second ministerial meeting of the TTC in New Delhi is set to push forward high-impact projects that align with India’s vision of self-reliance and global leadership in critical technologies.
The economic ties between India and the EU have expanded significantly, making the European bloc India’s largest trading partner in goods. In the financial year 2023-24, bilateral trade reached 135 billion dollars, with India exporting goods worth 76 billion dollars and importing 59 billion dollars from the EU. In the services sector, trade stood at 53 billion dollars, reflecting strong business-to-business linkages. European investments in India have crossed 117 billion dollars since 2000, while Indian investments in the EU have surged to 40 billion dollars, reinforcing the growing interdependence between the two economies.
Technology remains a cornerstone of India-EU cooperation. The partnership in high-performance computing, semiconductor research, and AI development has gained prominence, particularly in countering China’s dominance in these fields. The two sides have already signed multiple agreements to foster innovation and have been active partners in global AI and tech summits. Their collaboration extends to green energy, where the European Investment Bank has committed 1 billion euros to support India’s hydrogen initiatives, contributing to India’s ambitious goal of developing a green hydrogen ecosystem by 2030.
Defence and security cooperation between India and the EU have seen significant advancements. The two sides have conducted joint naval exercises, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, aiming to enhance maritime security amid China’s aggressive expansion in the region. Their coordinated efforts in counter-terrorism, disaster response, and space exploration further underscore the depth of strategic alignment.
Beyond trade and security, people-to-people connections have flourished. India has become one of the largest beneficiaries of EU education and research programs, with thousands of Indian students receiving Erasmus scholarships and research grants. As India and the EU continue to strengthen their partnership, the current visit of the European Commissioners is expected to yield transformative outcomes. With the backdrop of shifting global alliances and economic uncertainties, this engagement highlights India’s rising influence on the world stage.
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