In a significant move to relaunch EU-India ties, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and over 20 commissioners are set to visit Delhi this week. Their mission? To strengthen the strategic partnership between the EU and India, focusing on three critical areas: trade, technology, and Ukraine.
EU-India Trade Talks Set for Relaunch
The European Union and India are reigniting long-stalled trade negotiations that began back in 2007. Despite previous setbacks, both sides are keen to improve access to India’s large market, which has often been seen as closed, particularly in sectors like automobiles, spirits, and wines. Trade agreements will focus on reducing tariffs and removing non-tariff barriers, with a particular emphasis on public procurement access.
The EU views this renewed effort as key to diversifying trade, especially amid strained relations with the US and China. In 2024, EU-India trade reached €120 billion, but further growth is hindered by protectionist policies. The EU hopes to address these issues and expand bilateral trade.
Tech Cooperation: AI and Semiconductor Talks
A major area of collaboration between the EU and India is technology. Both sides launched a Trade and Technology Council in 2023 to focus on critical industries like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and semiconductor manufacturing. As India hosts an upcoming AI summit, the EU is eager to deepen cooperation in these sectors, particularly as both regions lag behind China in AI development.
Ukraine: EU Seeks Indian Support on Global Security
Ukraine is also high on the agenda. While India has maintained neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the EU is working to persuade India that a stable Ukraine is critical for both European and Indian security. The EU will also discuss the enforcement of sanctions against Russia, stressing the importance of global cooperation to prevent Russian companies from evading penalties.
The Future of EU-India Relations
The visit is a pivotal moment for EU-India relations. The outcomes could reshape trade, technological collaboration, and security alliances, making this one of the most important diplomatic missions for both regions in recent years.