On Monday, October 20, 2025, the European Council gave its formal approval to a ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda,’ a move that significantly boosts relations between the European Union and India. The Belgium-based council, which guides the political direction of the 27-member economic bloc, underscored the ongoing efforts by both sides to successfully conclude a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the close of the year.
The Council’s recent conclusions fully endorse the objectives laid out in the Joint Communication regarding this new agenda. The core aim is to deepen the bond between the EU and India across multiple critical areas, including fostering shared prosperity, advancing sustainability, driving technology and innovation, enhancing security and defense collaboration, improving connectivity, and collectively addressing global challenges.
A key highlight from the Council’s statement was its particular enthusiasm for the dedication to finalizing a balanced, ambitious, and economically significant free trade agreement. Both the European Commission and the Indian government are striving to achieve this by the end of 2025. Such an agreement, as specified by the Council, must encompass improved market access, the removal of trade barriers, and robust provisions for sustainable development.
Furthermore, the European Council emphasized the increasing importance of closer collaboration on security and defense. This partnership, built on mutual trust and respect, is seen as crucial in navigating an increasingly complex global geopolitical landscape. The Council noted its intention to work towards establishing a formal security and defense partnership, which could also pave the way for enhanced defense industrial cooperation where appropriate.
The EU also reiterated its commitment to continue engaging with India on all facets of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It stressed the shared capacity and responsibility of both the EU and India to uphold multilateralism, safeguard the rules-based international order rooted in the UN Charter, and protect the multilateral trading system, particularly through the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The Council highlighted that the promotion and protection of fundamental democratic values, international law, and human rights—including the rights of women and children—are integral components of the EU-India strategic agenda. This comprehensive approach mandates the European Commission to actively articulate and implement this ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda,’ building upon the priorities established in last month’s Joint Communication.
This agenda follows a landmark visit by the EU College of Commissioners to India earlier this year, marking the first such visit to the Indo-Pacific region. During this pivotal visit, both the EU and India committed to elevating their Strategic Partnership, aiming for greater shared prosperity, reinforced security, and a united front in tackling significant global challenges.