EU Unveils New Strategic Agenda to Deepen Ties with India
On Wednesday, the European Union introduced a comprehensive new strategic agenda aimed at strengthening its partnership with India across key sectors such as trade, technology, defence, and global collaboration. The European Commission and the High Representative released a Joint Communication titled the ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda,’ outlining plans to boost bilateral cooperation, promote shared prosperity and security, and jointly address global challenges.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of building alliances based on mutual values and interests. “Now is the time to focus on reliable partners and double down on partnerships rooted in shared interests and guided by common values,” she said. “With our new EU–India strategy, we are taking our relationship to the next level—advancing trade, investment, and talent mobility; strengthening economic security; accelerating the clean transition; driving innovation; and deepening industrial cooperation in defence.” She also reaffirmed the EU’s goal of finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India by the end of the year.
The Joint Communication identifies five key priority areas: trade and investment, sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, and global connectivity. It proposes actions to reinforce supply chains, promote emerging technologies, expand collaboration in renewables and green hydrogen, and initiate negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement to allow classified data sharing. It also highlights joint efforts in crisis management, maritime security, counterterrorism, cyber defence, and cooperation on global challenges such as food security, climate resilience, and multilateral governance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the new strategy, calling it a “shared commitment, shared goal, and shared responsibility.” In a phone conversation with President von der Leyen, he expressed appreciation for the EU’s initiative and reiterated India’s determination to conclude the FTA negotiations within the year. Modi also extended an invitation for the next India–EU Summit to be held in India in 2026.
The two leaders also discussed ongoing global and regional developments, including the war in Ukraine, and reaffirmed their support for a peaceful resolution. President von der Leyen took the opportunity to convey birthday wishes to Prime Minister Modi.
The announcement of the new strategic agenda marks a significant step forward in EU–India relations, aligning both sides in their pursuit of economic resilience, innovation, and a rules-based international order.
Later in the day, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared a message on X, saying, “On the day we launched our new EU–India strategy, I had the pleasure of wishing Narendra Modi a very happy birthday. I look forward to returning to India for our next Summit. Together, we will open a new chapter in our partnership. We also discussed the progress of our ongoing trade negotiations and how we can collaborate to effectively support Ukraine in its fight for freedom.”
PM Modi responded: “Delighted to know about the ‘New Strategic EU–India Agenda’ adopted today. India is ready to take the India–EU relationship to the next level. It is our shared commitment, shared goal, and shared responsibility. We remain committed to an early and peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.”
