European Council Greenlights EU–India Agenda, Prioritizes Free Trade Pact
New EU-India agenda boosts trade, security, and cooperation.
European Council greenlit a transformative "New Strategic EU-India Agenda," setting the stage for deeper ties between the 27-member European Union and India. The Belgium-based council, which steers the EU’s political priorities, endorsed a Joint Communication from the European Commission, emphasizing a robust push to finalize a free trade agreement (FTA) by year-end.
The proposed FTA aims to be ambitious and mutually beneficial, focusing on enhanced market access, the removal of trade barriers, and commitments to sustainable development. Both sides are working diligently to meet the December deadline, signaling a strong commitment to boosting economic ties. The agreement is expected to foster prosperity and sustainability, aligning with the broader goals of the strategic agenda.
Beyond trade, the agenda prioritizes cooperation in technology, innovation, security, and defense. The council highlighted the importance of a potential security and defense partnership, which could pave the way for industrial collaboration in defense, especially given the complex global geopolitical landscape. This partnership is rooted in mutual trust and respect, aiming to address shared challenges effectively.
Also Read: Goyal Heads to Doha as India-Qatar FTA Could Transform $14B Trade
The EU and India also reaffirmed their commitment to tackling global issues, including Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. Both parties emphasized safeguarding multilateralism, the rules-based international order, and the principles of the UN Charter. The agenda underscores the promotion of democratic values, human rights, and the multilateral trading system, with a particular focus on strengthening the World Trade Organization (WTO).
This strategic agenda builds on the momentum from the EU College of Commissioners’ historic visit to India in February 2025, the first such visit to the Indo-Pacific. That trip laid the groundwork for elevating the EU-India Strategic Partnership, with commitments to shared prosperity, enhanced security, and collaborative efforts on global challenges. The European Council has tasked the Commission with advancing the agenda’s implementation, ensuring alignment with the outlined priorities.
As the EU and India work toward finalizing the FTA and deepening their partnership, this agenda marks a pivotal step toward stronger bilateral relations, with significant implications for trade, security, and global cooperation.
Also Read: Red Alert in Tamil Nadu Amid Dual Cyclonic Systems, Heavy Rains Forecast
