India and the European Union emerged from two days of high-level engagements in Brussels with a renewed commitment to finalise the long-pending Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year.
The discussions took place during the 11th India–EU Foreign Policy and Security Consultations and the 6th Strategic Partnership Review Meeting, reflecting continued momentum in the relationship shaped by the Strategic Roadmap launched in 2020.
Economic security featured prominently in the consultations, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation on supply chain diversification, protection of critical infrastructure and the safeguarding of key sectors against global disruptions. Officials noted forward movement on several FTA chapters and confirmed that parallel efforts are being advanced on the Investment Protection Agreement and the Geographical Indications Agreement, indicating steady institutional progress across trade-related frameworks.
Connectivity and infrastructure development were also central to the dialogue, with the European Union reaffirming its intention to work closely with India under the Global Gateway initiative. The focus remained on sustainable financing models and cross-border digital infrastructure aligned with shared standards. Progress under the India–EU Connectivity Partnership was reviewed, with attention on secure digital ecosystems, green energy supply routes and transport corridors, while both sides reiterated continued engagement on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which was identified as a strategic element for ensuring resilient commercial flows.
Innovation and science and technology cooperation were emphasised as future-facing pillars of the partnership. India and the EU agreed to intensify collaboration in clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, digital governance, space cooperation and research initiatives. Strong momentum under the Trade and Technology Council was acknowledged, with a shared commitment to accelerate projects ahead of the 2026 Ministerial session. The discussions also underlined the importance of student mobility, academic partnerships and collaborative research, recognising the role of people-to-people exchanges in reinforcing long-term strategic ties.
Defence and security cooperation saw renewed focus, with both sides expressing intent to elevate engagement across maritime security, counterterrorism, cyber resilience, space cooperation, defence industry collaboration, disarmament and non-proliferation.
They reaffirmed their goal of concluding negotiations on a Security and Defence Partnership and a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate enhanced information-sharing and operational coordination. The consultations reiterated support for a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific, anchored in respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful dispute resolution.
The European Union welcomed India’s upcoming BRICS Chairship in 2026, and the two partners identified areas of convergence in global governance reform. Discussions also addressed humanitarian cooperation, disaster resilience and collaboration through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. On wider international issues, both sides called for sustained efforts toward comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine and early restoration of stability in Gaza.
With the current joint roadmap nearing its conclusion, India and the EU agreed to begin work on a new Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda to guide cooperation beyond 2025. This framework is expected to be adopted at the India–EU Summit in New Delhi in the first quarter of 2026.
Secretary (West) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, also participated in the EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, highlighting India’s perspectives on critical maritime infrastructure, economic security and digital connectivity.
