The first EU-India Tech Business Forum, held in New Delhi on June 4, brought together more than 100 European and Indian technology companies alongside policymakers, researchers and business leaders to explore opportunities under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Organised by the EU Delegation to India and Bhutan and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the forum focused on strengthening private-sector collaboration in advanced technologies, facilitating market access and building resilient digital value chains.
“In today’s fragmented world, working with trusted partners like India is essential to diversify supply chains and reduce over-reliance on certain sources and geographies,” said EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin. “Europe brings strengths in advanced technology, innovation and regulation, while India offers scale, talent, and dynamic technological applications.”
Delphin said the Trade and Technology Council reflects a joint determination to make both ecosystems work together while leveraging opportunities that could emerge from the proposed FTA.
“Businesses, researchers, and investors have a key role in turning policies into concrete realisations,” he said.
MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan echoed the sentiment, describing India and the EU as natural partners in building trusted technology ecosystems.
Aldas Juronis, CEO of EKSPLA, argued that the proposed India-EU FTA could become a catalyst for deeper cooperation in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and deep technologies.
“India has remarkable achievements in ICT and artificial intelligence, while Lithuania is also investing heavily in AI development. Together, we can create highly competitive products and solutions.”
Lithuanian officials said artificial intelligence is emerging as one of the strongest areas for collaboration between India and Europe. Lithuania was the first country to launch an AI sandbox and is currently building AI factories to accelerate innovation and deployment.
“Both countries complement each other. India has a vast pool of talent and expertise in technology, while Lithuania is building a strong innovation ecosystem. There is tremendous potential for us to grow together,” they said.
The emphasis on AI cooperation closely aligns with priorities under the TTC’s Working Group on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity, which focuses on semiconductors, emerging technologies, data governance and digital public infrastructure.
Industry leaders at the forum also highlighted opportunities in sectors where Europe has developed specialised expertise. Lithuania, for instance, has built capabilities in biotechnology, ICT, cybersecurity, photonics and advanced manufacturing.
“In Europe, we have strong networks of universities and research institutions that support innovation from its earliest stages,” Juronis said. “Lithuania’s priorities include biotechnology, ICT, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing, all of which offer opportunities for collaboration with India.”
One area attracting particular interest is photonics and laser technologies.
“Lithuanian lasers are exported to more than 90 countries. NASA, NATO and the European Space Agency use Lithuanian laser technologies in research and innovation projects,” Juronis said, adding that such expertise could complement India’s ambitions in semiconductor manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Cybersecurity also emerged as a major area for future collaboration as governments and businesses grapple with growing digital threats.
“Cybersecurity today is not only about defence and security. It is about healthcare systems, public services, financial infrastructure and ensuring that digital societies remain resilient,” Juronis said.
Lithuania is an associate member of the European Space Agency and has developed expertise in nanosatellite and small satellite manufacturing.
“There are many programmes and tenders available through European space initiatives. Lithuanian and Indian companies can work together, form consortia, and apply for projects jointly,” Juronis said. “If we combine the best practices and technological strengths of both countries, we can create highly competitive solutions in the space sector.”
The discussions come at a time when India is rapidly expanding its semiconductor, telecommunications and space capabilities, while the European Union seeks trusted partners to diversify technology supply chains and strengthen innovation partnerships.
While technology dominated discussions at the forum, speakers also stressed that cooperation must move beyond policy declarations and translate into tangible partnerships involving businesses, startups, universities and cities.
“Cooperation between cities often creates a more practical and focused level of engagement,” Juronis said. “Municipalities, business communities, universities and innovation ecosystems can work together directly to build long-term partnerships.”
