New Delhi, Sep 19,2025: The European Commission (EC) has outlined a ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’ to deepen, broaden and better coordinate bilateral cooperation, enhance prosperity and security for both partners and help tackle major global challenges.
The EC adopted a Joint Communication outlining the ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’ marking a significant milestone in EU-India relations. This initiative was announced by President von der Leyen in her Political Guidelines for 2024-2029.
She said the two sides will cooperate in advancing trade, investment and talent mobility, strengthening joint economic security, advancing the clean transition and driving innovation together, deepening industrial cooperation in Defence.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, said ‘’India is one of the most important players in the world today and a natural partner for the European Union. There are many areas where our interests, strengths and political will align. Boosting our collaboration – which we are proposing today – will benefit the security and prosperity of citizens and businesses on both sides. There are areas where we disagree. Ultimately our partnership is about defending a rules-based international order. Our negotiations will address these challenges.
The Joint Communication identifies five areas of shared interest and complementary strengths, building on existing ties while addressing areas that present potential for increased engagement. 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.
Beyond the bilateral dimension, the new strategic agenda highlights EU-India joint engagement on global issues and with third partners, reflecting India’s growing global influence, according to the Joint Communication.
It also identifies significant untapped potential in trade and investment, outlining strategies to strengthen commercial ties, particularly finalising the ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
It proposes reinforcing supply chains while promoting critical emerging technologies and engagement on digital issues, with particular attention to strengthening economic security within the Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
The new strategy also proposes deepening tech cooperation, including a potential EU-India Startup partnership, and invites India to associate with Horizon Europe programme. It suggests ambitious initiatives for decarbonisation and the clean transition, such as intensifying cooperation on renewables, developing green hydrogen capabilities and expanding green finance.
Moreover, it highlights opportunities to jointly strengthen food security, and health, climate and disaster resilience.
The Joint Communication takes forward the proposed EU-India Security and Defence Partnership. ‘’This will enhance strategic consultations and joint initiatives, including on crisis management, maritime security, cyber defence, and counterterrorism, and foster defence industrial cooperation, focusing on boosting production and technological capabilities, securing supply chains, and driving innovation.
It said that launching negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate classified information exchange will support closer security and defence cooperation. Closer cooperation on the Indo-Pacific, addressing hybrid threats, space security, and intensifying engagement on Russia’s war against Ukraine, shadow fleets, and sanctions are other areas of focus.
The Joint Communication prioritises maximising interaction and strengthening EU-India coordination at all levels. This includes skills mobility with the pilot European Legal Gateway Office to facilitate labour mobility.
It also proposes developing a comprehensive mobility cooperation framework covering study, work, and research. In addition to deeper engagement with civil society, youth and think tanks, further reach out to the businesses community is supported by the proposal for an EU-India Business Forum.
