Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the India-EU Strategic Partnership during the official visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India from February 27-28, 2025. The visit marked a historic milestone, being the first such engagement outside Europe since the start of their new mandate.
The leaders emphasized their shared values as two of the world's largest democracies and open market economies, underscoring their commitment to fostering a resilient, multipolar global order. They acknowledged the strategic importance of collaboration in trade, supply chain security, emerging technologies, digital transformation, space, defense, and people-to-people exchanges.
During the visit, the second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) took place, driving forward discussions on trade, trusted technology, and green transition. Specific outcomes included:
- Acceleration of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations – Both sides tasked their teams to conclude a balanced and ambitious FTA within the year, alongside agreements on investment protection and geographical indications.
- Advancing Technological and Economic Cooperation – Emphasis was placed on strengthening semiconductor ecosystems, AI governance, high-performance computing, 6G, and digital public infrastructure, with new MoUs signed in the semiconductor and 6G sectors.
- Expansion of Clean Energy and Sustainability Efforts – Plans were outlined for the India-EU Green Hydrogen Forum, offshore wind energy collaboration, and enhanced cooperation in sustainable urban mobility, railways, and disaster management.
- Development of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) – Both sides committed to concrete steps in realizing the IMEC initiative announced during the G20 Summit.
- Strengthening Defense and Security Collaboration – India expressed interest in joining the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), with negotiations planned for a Security of Information Agreement. Enhanced counterterrorism efforts and maritime security cooperation were also discussed.
On geopolitical issues, both leaders reiterated their support for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict and reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
The leaders concluded by agreeing on several concrete steps, including an expedited FTA timeline, expanded defense and maritime cooperation, and strengthening disaster management frameworks. Both sides expressed confidence that this visit would mark the beginning of a new era in India-EU relations, with the next India-EU Summit scheduled to be held in India at the earliest mutually convenient time.
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