The European Union is moving forward with an ambitious plan to enhance its strategic relationship with India. However, this deepening partnership comes with a clear caution from Brussels regarding India’s military engagements with Russia and its continued procurement of Russian oil, which the EU views as potential risks to their evolving alliance.
This significant development was announced on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in Brussels, where the European Commission and the EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, unveiled “A New Strategic EU-India Agenda.” They are now urging the European Parliament and the Council of member states to formally endorse this forward-looking blueprint.
During a televised press conference in Brussels on the same day, Ms. Kallas emphasized India’s “crucial” role as an EU partner. She detailed the comprehensive strategy, which aims for closer collaboration across various sectors including trade, technology, security, defense, and climate initiatives.
The strategic document itself confidently states, “The EU and India possess the potential and resolve to forge one of the 21st century’s most defining partnerships.”
Currently, both Brussels and New Delhi are actively engaged in negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA). Just last week, EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič visited New Delhi for discussions with India’s Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal.
Ms. Kallas also revealed that negotiations are underway for an agreement on the exchange of classified information and for strengthening defense industry ties. She noted, however, that some hesitations exist among the College of Commissioners, representing the 27 EU member states, regarding these particular aspects.
Ms. Kallas frankly stated that India’s involvement in Russian military exercises and its continued oil purchases from Russia are obstacles to a deeper relationship. She underscored that the partnership extends beyond mere trade, focusing fundamentally on upholding a rules-based international order.
The strategic document explicitly highlights the EU’s paramount concern: “It is of utmost importance to the EU that any enablement of the war be curtailed.”
According to Ms. Kallas, these complex challenges will be central to ongoing negotiations with New Delhi, with the ultimate goal of finalizing a joint roadmap at the upcoming EU-India summit, slated for early 2026.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight over the adoption of this new strategic document.
He reiterated India’s commitment to “an early and peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict,” a sentiment echoed during his recent phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday.
Both India and the EU have been keen to strengthen their bond amidst a landscape of growing global uncertainty and their respective trade difficulties with the United States. The previous Trump administration had notably imposed a 25% tariff on India, compounded by a ‘reciprocal’ tariff of 25%, which had created friction between New Delhi and Washington. While this relationship has recently shown signs of improvement, exemplified by U.S. President Donald Trump’s birthday call to Mr. Modi on Tuesday, these broader dynamics underscore the need for new alliances.
Despite a remarkable 90% growth in trade between India and the EU over the past decade, Mr. Šefčovič remarked at Wednesday’s press conference that both sides have merely “scratched the surface” of their potential. Both Brussels and New Delhi remain optimistic about finalizing a trade agreement by year-end.
Mr. Šefčovič confirmed his regular communication with Mr. Goyal but expressed a desire for “more progress” during his recent visit to New Delhi. He humorously acknowledged the widespread perception of Indian trade negotiators as “tough.”
Addressing Trade Hurdles: The Challenge of Tariff Barriers
Regarding agricultural tariffs, Mr. Šefčovič clarified that the discussion isn’t just about raw figures, but about ensuring that proposed concessions hold genuine commercial value, especially when considering both tariff and non-tariff barriers. He specifically pointed to India’s Quality Control Orders (QCOs) as an example, suggesting these are crucial elements for the EU to factor into their ongoing negotiations.
The next round of trade discussions, the 14th of its kind, is scheduled to convene in Brussels from October 6th to 10th.
When pressed specifically about India’s involvement in the recent Zapad-2025 military exercises, which were spearheaded by Russia, Ms. Kallas confirmed she had discussed this with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday. She reiterated the EU’s concerns, emphasizing that these joint exercises and India’s continued oil purchases from Russia pose challenges to the EU-India relationship.
In response to questions about fostering cooperation with India, Ms. Kallas explained, “The core question is always whether we leave this space for others to influence, or if we actively work to fill it ourselves.” She offered a similar perspective when asked about India’s perceived warming of relations with China.
The College of Commissioners had collectively agreed that strengthening ties with India is essential, precisely to avoid “pushing them into Russia’s corner.”
Ms. Kallas repeatedly invoked the principle of ‘nothing is agreed until everything is agreed,’ notably when questioned about the potential impact on trade discussions if India fails to address the EU’s concerns regarding Russia.