EU-India Cooperation: Strengthening Ties Amid Global Shifts

The European Commission seeks to enhance cooperation with India despite its ties with Moscow. Both sides aim to finalize a free trade agreement by year’s end. The EU hopes to engage India in countering Russia while expanding joint ventures in technology, trade, and environmental initiatives.

The European Commission announced plans to deepen its ties with India in various sectors, including defense, technology, and trade, as part of an ongoing effort to finalize a free trade agreement by the year's end. Despite India's growing proximity to Moscow, the EU views India as a crucial partner in upholding a rules-based international order.

Negotiations have accelerated since the reelection of U.S. President Donald Trump and the imposition of tariffs. Both the EU and India are seeking new alliances, and for Brussels, this means exploring trade agreements beyond its borders with countries like Mexico, and blocs such as Mercosur, alongside India and Indonesia.

The EU is also focusing on innovative collaborations with India in investment protection, air transport, and decarbonization efforts, hoping to forge a defense and security partnership similar to existing ones with Japan and South Korea. Such cooperation could strategically extend to projects in Africa and South Asia.