The European Council recently gave its official stamp of approval to a ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda,’ a move that injects significant momentum into the relationship between the European Union and India. This agenda, initially put forth by the European Commission, marks a pivotal moment for bilateral ties.
This influential council, based in Belgium and tasked with steering the 27-member economic bloc’s overall political direction, emphasized the urgent push from both the EU and India to finalize a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) before the year concludes.
In an official statement, the council specifically lauded the dedicated efforts to forge a free trade agreement that is balanced, ambitious, and delivers mutual economic benefits. Both the European Commission and the Indian government are targeting completion of this vital agreement by the close of the year.
They stressed that any such agreement must incorporate provisions for improved market access, the dismantling of existing trade barriers, and crucial clauses focusing on sustainable development.
Against a backdrop of increasingly intricate global geopolitics, the European Council highlighted the immense importance of closer cooperation between the EU and India in security and defense. This collaboration, they noted, is firmly rooted in principles of mutual trust and respect.
The council acknowledged the intent to establish a robust security and defense partnership, which, when suitable, could further facilitate cooperation in defense industries.
Furthermore, the EU confirmed its ongoing dialogue with India concerning all facets of Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine. The council underscored the shared capability and responsibility of both the EU and India to uphold multilateralism and a rules-based international order, anchored by the UN Charter, alongside strengthening the global trading system, particularly through the World Trade Organization.
An essential component of the EU-India strategic agenda, the council affirmed, is the unwavering promotion and protection of democratic values and norms, international law, and human rights, with a special emphasis on the rights of women and children.
The council tasked the European Commission with advancing the detailed development and execution of this ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda,’ building upon the key priorities outlined in their joint communication from the previous month.
This initiative follows a landmark visit by the EU College of Commissioners to India earlier this year, a trip that effectively laid the groundwork for an exciting new chapter in EU-India relations.
The joint communication highlighted that during this historic visit – the first of its kind to the Indo-Pacific region – both parties pledged to elevate their Strategic Partnership, aiming to enhance shared prosperity, reinforce security, and collectively address significant global challenges.