New Delhi, 28 February 2025
President Ursula von der Leyen and the College of Commissioners are in India today to strengthen the strategic partnership between the European Union and India. Europe is committed to enhancing cooperation with India, one of its most trusted partners and allies, across various sectors, including trade, technology, and defence.
President von der Leyen met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to conclude a free trade agreement by the end of the year. She delivered a keynote speech on the need to realign EU-India relations to address today’s global challenges and spoke at a joint press point with Prime Minister Modi.
The President stressed the need to step up security and defence cooperation on land, at sea and in space, and reiterated that artificial intelligence should be at the heart of our Strategic Agenda, based on the shared belief that technology should serve the people.
Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, and Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva also co-chaired the second meeting of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in critical areas such as semiconductors, clean energy, and digital transformation. The Commissioners also held bilateral meetings with their Indian counterparts.
The discussions held today will feed into the reflection on a new Strategy Agenda which the Commission will table before the upcoming EU-India Summit later this year.
Leaders’ Statement following the visit of President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and College of Commissioners to India, 27-28 February 2025
28. February 2025
1. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission Ms. Ursula von der Leyen affirmed that the EU-India Strategic Partnership has delivered strong benefits for their peoples and for the larger global good. They committed to raise this partnership to a higher-level, building upon 20 years of India-EU Strategic Partnership and over 30 years of India-EC Cooperation Agreement.
2. Presidentvon der Leyenwas on her landmark official visit as she led the European Union College of Commissioners to India on 27-28 February 2025. This is the first visit of the College of Commissioners outside the European continent since the start of their new mandate and also the first such visit in the history of India-EU bilateral ties.
3. As the two largest democracies and open market economies with diverse pluralistic societies, India and EU underscored their commitment and shared interest in shaping a resilient multipolar global order that underpins peace and stability, economic growth and sustainable development.
4. The leaders agreed that shared values and principles including democracy, rule of law, and the rules-based international order in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter make India and the EU like-minded and trusted partners. The India-EU Strategic partnership is needed now, more than ever, to jointly address global issues, foster stability, and promote mutual prosperity.
5. In this context, they stressed the importance of intensifying cooperation between India and Europe in trade and de-risking of supply chains, investment, emerging critical technologies, innovation, talent, digital and green industrial transition, space and geospatial sectors, defence and people-to-people contacts. They also highlighted the need to cooperate on tackling common global challenges, including climate change, the governance of Artificial Intelligence, development finance, and terrorism in an interdependent world.
6. The two leaders welcomed the progress made by the second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) that took place during the visit in fostering deeper collaboration and strategic co-ordination at the intersection of trade, trusted technology, and green transition
7. They also welcomed the specific outcomes emerging from deliberations conducted between the EU College of Commissioners and their Indian counterpart Ministers.
8. The leaders committed to as follows:
i. Task their respective negotiating teams to pursue negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial FTA with the aim of concluding them within the course of the year, recognizing the centrality and importance of growing India-EU trade and economic relations. The leaders asked the officials to work as trusted partners to enhance market access and remove trade barriers. They also tasked them to advance negotiations on an Agreement on Investment Protection and an Agreement on Geographical Indications.
ii. Direct the India-EU Trade and Technology Council to further deepen its engagement to shape outcome-oriented cooperation in areas of economic security and supply chain resilience, market access and barriers to trade, strengthening of semiconductor ecosystems, trustworthy and sustainable Artificial Intelligence, high-performance computing, 6G, Digital Public Infrastructure, joint research and innovation for green and clean energy technologies with a focus on trusted partnerships and industry linkages across these sectors, including the recycling of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), marine plastic litter, and waste to green/renewable hydrogen. In this context, they welcomed the progress in the implementation of MoU on semiconductors for boosting the semiconductor supply chains, leveraging complementary strengths, facilitating talent exchanges and fostering semiconductor skills among students and young professionals; as well as the signing of MoU between Bharat 6G alliance and the EU 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association for creating secured and trusted telecommunications and resilient supply chains.
iii. Further expand and deepen cooperation under India-EU partnerships in areas of connectivity, clean energy and climate, water, smart and sustainable urbanization, and disaster management as well as work to intensify cooperation in specific areas such as clean hydrogen, offshore wind, solar energy, sustainable urban mobility, aviation, and railways. In this context, they welcomed the agreement on holding an India-EU Green Hydrogen Forum and the India-EU Business Summit on Offshore Wind Energy.
iv. Develop new specific areas of co-operation identified during the bilateral discussions between the EU Commissioners and Indian Ministers to be reflected in the future joint Strategic Agenda to drive mutual progress.
v. Undertake concrete steps for the realization of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) announced during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, deepen their cooperation in the framework of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT 2.0), and Global Biofuels Alliance.
vi. Strengthen people-to-people ties especially in the areas of higher education, research, tourism, culture, sports, and between their youths, and create an enabling environment for enhancing such exchanges. Also to promote legal, safe and orderly migration in areas of skilled workforce and professionals in view of India’s growing human capital and taking into account EU member states’ demographic profile and labour market needs.
9. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promote a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific built on international law and mutual respect for sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes underpinned by effective regional institutions. India welcomed the EU joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Both sides also committed to explore trilateral co-operation including in Africa and the Indo-Pacific.
10. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at growing cooperation in the defence and security domain, including joint exercises and collaboration between Indian Navy and EU Maritime security entities. The EU side welcomed India’s interest in joining the projects under the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) as well as to engage in negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement (SoIA). The leaders also committed to explore a security and defence partnership. They reiterated their commitment to international peace and security, including maritime security by tackling traditional and non-traditional threats to safeguard trade & sea lanes of communication. They emphasised the need to deepen collaboration in counter terrorism and to strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and terrorism financing in a comprehensive and sustained manner.
11. The two leaders also discussed key international and regional issues, including on the situation in the Middle-East and the war in Ukraine. They expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on respect for international law, principles of the UN charter and territorial integrity and sovereignty. They also reiterated their commitment to the vision of the two-State solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders, consistent with international law.
12. The Leaders recognized the productive and forward-looking nature of the discussions and agreed on the following concrete steps:
i. Expedite the conclusion of the FTA by the end of the year.
ii. Further focused discussions on defence industry and policy to explore opportunities from new initiatives and programmes.
iii. A review meeting with partners to take stock on the IMEC initiative.
iv. Engage on maritime domain awareness with a view to promoting shared assessment, coordination and interoperability.
v. Convene the next meeting of the TTC at an early date to deepen cooperation in semiconductors and other critical technologies.
vi. Enhance the dialogue on clean and green energy between governments and industry, with a focus on green hydrogen.
vii. Strengthening collaboration in the Indo-Pacific including through trilateral cooperation projects.
viii. Strengthen cooperation on Disaster Management through the development of appropriate arrangements including on policy and technical level engagement for preparedness, response capacities and coordination.
13. Both leaders expressed confidence that this momentous visit will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further expand and deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership. They looked forward to the next India EU Summit being organized in India at the earliest mutually convenient time and to the adoption of a new joint Strategic Agenda on that occasion. President von der Leyen thanked Prime Minister Modi for his warm hospitality.
Source – EU Commission
Speech by President von der Leyen: ‘The Consequential Partnership: Reimagining and realigning EU and India ties for today’s world’
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to be back here in India for such a landmark occasion for the EU-India partnership. Returning here, now for the third time as President of the Commission, is always a welcome excuse to immerse myself in your culture and democracy, your history and your modernity. And it was with real privilege and pride that I started this visit by laying a wreath in honour of Mahatma Gandhi yesterday.
It was of course Gandhi himself who famously said that a nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. This is certainly true of India, its people and its breathtaking cultural heritage and history. And above and beyond any economic or diplomatic relations, I believe it is culture that binds the people of India and Europe together. We have a shared love of sport, art and literature. Our students and academics work and deepen their knowledge together. And our companies do business together on a scale almost unmatched around the world. All of this makes us natural and long-standing partners as we start our third decade of strategic partnership.
But, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I believe what lies ahead is far greater than what has already been. Although history can always be a useful guide for how to approach the world of today. If we think back to 1947, we see how the soul of this great nation and its struggle through history propelled India to its independence. And looking back at the voices of the time, we also hear and feel the resolve and the determination of India to build prosperity, security and democracy for its future generations. As I stand here today in this vibrant and independent country, the largest democracy in the world, the words spoken at the time were as prophetic as they were poignant. At the same time in Europe, we were trying to put back together the pieces of our Continent ravaged by war. The countries of Europe chose to come together. To tie their destinies, their security and prosperity to one another in order not to repeat the mistakes of our past. This is how the seeds of our European Union were planted.
The point is that the world then was fragile, fractured and on the verge of change that would define the next eight decades. And both Europe and India, albeit in very different circumstances, understood the need to come together. I believe this is a clarion call for all of us as we stand here in 2025 at another inflection point in history. I do not need to describe the geopolitical and geoeconomic headwinds that both the EU and India are confronted with. We have all seen how countries are weaponising their sources of strength against each other whether natural resources or new technologies, or economic and military coercion. We have seen how supply chains and dependencies are used to gain influence or drive wedges between nations and regions. We have seen a more aggressive posture from major powers and of course the conflicts that have destabilised entire regions. How countries, in particular in the Global South, are looking for alternatives to what the international system has offered them. And we have seen clear attempts to split off parts of the world into isolated fragments.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This world is fraught with danger. But I believe this modern version of great power competition is an opportunity for Europe and India to reimagine their partnership. In many ways, the EU and India are uniquely placed to respond to this challenge together. India is the largest democracy and soon to be in the top 4 of the world’s largest economies. It is the leading voice of the Global South. Europe is a unique cross-border democracy and open economy. The largest trading partner for some 80 countries around the world. But this partnership makes sense not only because of our shared values or our close ties. Or even because of our respective geographies, demographies or economies. But it is because our interests in this hyper-competitive world align more often than not. We both stand to lose from a world of spheres of influence and isolationism. And we both stand to gain from a world of cooperation and working together. Because we can offer each other distinctive alternatives and tools to make ourselves stronger, more secure and more sovereign in today’s world. The kind of offer that cannot really be replicated by others.
This is why the EU and India have the potential to be one of the defining partnerships of this Century. And it is why it will be a cornerstone of Europe’s foreign policy in the years and decades to come. So, I want this visit to be the start of this new era. Prime Minister Modi and I share the same view. It is time to take our EU-India Strategic Partnership to the next level. For our own security and our prosperity. For the common global challenges that we face. And for the benefit of our respective regions and our partners around the world.
Over the last thirty years we have done a lot together. But in truth we have only been scratching the surface of the potential that is there. So, this is not a time to place limits on our cooperation. Or to get stuck looking for agreement on every issue of regional or global concern. It is time to be pragmatic and ambitious. And to realign our priorities for today’s realities. Allow me to very briefly map out my vision of the three areas which can take our partnership to the next level. The first is trade and technology. The second is security and defence. And the third is connectivity and global partnership.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The first area where I believe we can make real progress is on delivering prosperity in Europe and in India. Here we have a real shared interest and sense of purpose. India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision will help to transform the economy and create millions of jobs from traditional manufacturing sectors to high-tech industries and innovation. Europe is striving towards the same goal through our own economic and industrial transformation. I believe that we can help each other to reach our goals. Make in India and “made in Europe” can work together to drive our industries forward. And our common interests in de-risking our economies, in particular in sensitive technological areas, can help drive our economic security. Let’s take some examples. We are both looking to diversify some of our most critical value chains. From our side this is for example the case on batteries or pharma, semiconductors, clean hydrogen or defence.
And we can support each other to achieve that. For that we need to have an ambitious trade and investment partnership. Today, the EU is India’s largest trading partner, sitting ahead of both the US and China. European companies create 8 million jobs here in India. But we could do so much more by improving market access and tackling the barriers to trade. And I believe this can be a launchpad to strengthen cooperation in key sectors which will drive the global economy as we head towards mid-century. From semi-conductors to clean tech, from AI – we just had a summit in Paris, and the next one will be here – to high performance computing and digital public infrastructure. By investing together in this tech and by building strong supply chains, we can create a real advantage for ourselves in today’s competitive global economy. And we should draw on each other’s skills and talents. Such as our academics and researchers, to help make that happen.
A free trade agreement between the EU and India would be the largest deal of this kind anywhere in the world. I am well aware it will not be easy. But I also know that timing and determination counts, and that this partnership comes at the right moment for both of us. This is why we have agreed with Prime Minister Modi to push to get it done during this year. And you can count on my full commitment to make sure we can deliver.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The second broad area for renewed cooperation is security and stability. Here again we have many shared interests. Wars, conflicts and coups have erupted in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, in Africa and across different regions. And what happens in one part of the world matters to both Europe and India. Even if we sit far apart on the map. Because peace, security and prosperity are indivisible in this world. In Europe, Russia’s goal is to tear Ukraine apart. And we should be clear about what is at stake here. A failed Ukraine would not only weaken Europe. And that is why we have taken historic steps to support Ukraine and its future. But a failed Ukraine would also intensify the challenges in other parts of the world. Not least in this region. Other countries around the world are watching very closely whether there is any impunity if you invade a neighbour or violate international borders. Or whether there are real deterrents. This is why we want any peace talks to lead to a just and lasting peace. With a free and prosperous Ukraine, that can join the European family. And Europe is ready to live up to its responsibility when it comes to security and defence. We will step up our defence spending to ensure that Member States have access to the full spectrum of capabilities that this new reality demands. But we also want to step up cooperation with crucial partners like India.
This is why I can announce that we are exploring a future Security and Defence Partnership with India in the mould of the partnerships we have with Japan and South Korea. This will help us step up our work to counter common threats whether on cross-border terrorism, maritime security threats, cyber-attacks or the new phenomenon we see: attacks on our critical infrastructure. There is a lot that we can build on. For instance, the recent collaboration on maritime security. And I am delighted at India’s interest in joining defence industrial projects under the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation. India is working hard to diversify its military supply and to access new capabilities. And I believe we can help each other to deliver on our security objectives.
For instance, we can join forces where we have technology and expertise, such as on cyber security, space and drones. This is not only about stability in our respective regions. But it is also a key part in strengthening our economic security and ultimately our prosperity. And this is why security should be a core part of our new strategic partnership with India.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The third and final element I will touch on is the need to deepen our connectivity links and our global partnerships. And here there is a lot that Europe can learn from India. India has been a leading voice in bringing to the fore the concerns of many countries in the Global South. Addressing these issues becomes all the more important in a world where major powers are pulling away or even pulling at the seams of the international system. And I believe India and Europe have a real opportunity to step up. To invest in each other, and to invest in our global partnerships. This is in our core economic and national security interest. India can play a unique role as a bridge between the Global South and the rest of the world. Between the Indo-Pacific and Europe. And Europe is ready to invest to help bring that to life. Through Global Gateway, our EUR 300 billion global infrastructure offer, we can invest in projects to transport energy across India, and between India and the world. And this is just the start of what can be done to build this connectivity between India, Europe and the regions between us.
The India-Middle East-Europe corridor launched here in New Delhi in 2023 during India’s G20 Presidency is a historic opportunity to bring this to life. It’s an amazing project. This can be a modern golden road – directly connecting India, the Arabian Gulf and Europe. With a rail link, that will make trade between India and Europe 40% faster. With an electricity cable and a clean hydrogen pipeline. And a high-speed data cable to link some of the most innovative digital ecosystems in the world. This corridor is much more than “just” a railway or a cable. It is a green and digital bridge across continents and civilisations. And it can help bring us closer together and boost trade on everything from batteries to clean hydrogen and digital services. This can be a win-win-win for Europe, India and our partners. We are ready to invest in concrete projects that can already start making these connections happen. Europe is open for business, and we are ready to invest in our common future with India.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Investing in our common future. This is the driving force of this new era of partnership between Europe and India. In troubled times great opportunities come. And I believe 2025 is a historic window of opportunity to build an indivisible partnership between Europe and India. Our interests align. Our commitment is iron-clad. And if it can be done anywhere, it can be done here. Because as Romain Rolland – the French writer and great admirer of India said: “If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India” And today we are one step closer to making our common dream a reality.
Thank you and long live our friendship.
Source – EU Commission
Joint statement on the second meeting of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council
The second meeting of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) took place in New Delhi on 28 February 2025. Executive Vice-Presidentfor Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy HennaVirkkunen, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and TransparencyMarosŠefčovičand Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation EkaterinaZaharievaco-chaired on the EU side. It was co-chaired on the Indian side by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar; Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal; and Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.
European Commission President Ursulavon der Leyenand Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had established the EU-India TTC in April 2022 as a key bilateral platform to address challenges at the confluence of trade, trusted technology and security. The European Union and India, as two large and vibrant democracies with open market economies, shared values and pluralistic societies, are natural partners in a multipolar world.
The deepening of bilateral relations and the growing strategic convergence between the EU and India respond to the shifting dynamics of the global geopolitical landscape and a common interest in promoting global stability, economic security, and sustainable and inclusive growth. In that respect, both sides emphasized again the importance of the rules-based international order and the full respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, transparency, and peaceful resolution of disputes. The TTC reflects a shared acknowledgement between the EU and India of the increasingly critical links between trade and technology, the potential of cooperation on these issues to enhance the economies of both partners, and the need to work together on the related security challenges. Both sides note the potential of their partnership to increase resilience, strengthen connectivity and drive forward the development of green and clean technologies.
The first meeting of the EU-India TTC was held in Brussels on 16 May 2023. The TTC Ministerial Meeting provided political guidance for the way forward. Subsequently on 24 November 2023, a stock-taking meeting in virtual mode reviewed the progress made by the three TTC working groups.
Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity
The European Union and India reaffirmed the importance of deepening their digital cooperation in line with their shared values through the Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity. Both sides committed to leverage their respective strengths to accelerate a human-centric digital transformation and the development of advanced and trustworthy digital technologies such as AI, semiconductors, High-Performance Computing and 6G, which will benefit both economies and societies. Both sides committed to work jointly to strengthen EU-India research and innovation for this purpose to further enhance competitiveness, while increasing their economic security. Both sides committed to promoting global connectivity in a cyber-secure digital ecosystem.
Recognizing the importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the development of open and inclusive digital economies and digital societies, the European Union and India agreed to collaborate on working towards interoperability of their respective DPIs that respect human rights and protect personal data, privacy, and intellectual property rights. Both sides further committed to jointly promote DPIs solutions to third countries and further emphasized the need of mutual recognition of e-signatures to enhance cross-border digital transactions and foster mutual economic growth.
Both sides emphasized their commitment to further strengthen the resilience of semiconductor supply chains and promote collaboration in the field of semiconductors. To that end, they agreed to explore joint R&D in the field of chip design, heterogeneous integration, sustainable semiconductor technologies, technology development for advanced processes for process design kit (PDK), among others. Both sides shall promote the strengthening of the EU and Indian semiconductor ecosystems to enhance technological capabilities and ensure supply chain resilience by developing sustainable, secure and diversified semiconductor production capacities. Furthermore, they committed to developing a dedicated programme that will facilitate talent exchanges and foster semiconductor skills among students and young professionals.
The two sides reiterated their commitment to safe, secure, trustworthy, human-centric, sustainable and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and to promote this vision on the international level. In addition, with a view to ensuring continued and impactful cooperation on AI, the European AI Office and India AI Mission agreed to deepen cooperation, encouraging an ecosystem of innovation and fostering information exchange on common open research questions for developing trustworthy AI. They also agreed to enhance cooperation on large language models, and to harness the potential of AI for human development and common good, including through joint projects such as developing tools and frameworks for ethical and responsible AI. These will build on the progress made under R&D collaboration on high-performance computing applications in the areas of natural hazards, climate change, and bioinformatics.
The EU and India welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Bharat 6G Alliance and the EU 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association for aligning research and development priorities and creating secured and trusted telecommunications and resilient supply chains. Both sides will also enhance cooperation on IT and telecoms standardisation with a particular focus on promoting interoperable global standards.
Furthermore, the two sides agreed to work towards bridging the digital skills gap, explore mutual recognition of certifications, and promote legal pathways of skilled professionals and exchange of talent.
Both sides agreed to collaborate on the implementation of the Global Digital Compact, agreed by consensus at the UN General Assembly in September 2024, as a key instrument for delivering on their shared objectives. They noted the need to ensure that the forthcoming World Summit on Information Society +20 maintains global support for and enhances the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance.
Working Group 2 on Clean and Green Technologies
The European Union and India recalled the importance of the priority workstreams identified under Working Group 2 on Clean and Green Technologies for achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and 2050 for the European Union and India, respectively. Achieving these targets will require significant investment in new clean technologies and standards. An emphasis on research and innovation (R&I) will foster technological collaboration and exchange of best practices between the EU and India. In parallel, supporting technological innovations for market uptake will enhance access to the respective markets by EU and Indian enterprises and facilitate wide adoption of innovative technologies. This opens perspectives for cooperation between EU and Indian incubators, SMEs and start-ups and building human resource capability and capacity in such technologies.
In this regard, both sides agreed on joint research cooperation through exceptional coordinated calls on recycling of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), marine plastic litter, and waste-to-hydrogen. The estimated total joint budget will be about EUR 60 million from the Horizon Europe programme and from matching Indian contributions. On recycling of batteries for EVs, the focus will be on battery circularity through different kinds of flexible/low cost/easy to recycle batteries. In marine plastic litter, the focus will be on developing technologies for detection, measurement and analysis of aquatic litter and for mitigation of the cumulative impact of pollution on the marine environment. On waste-to-hydrogen, the focus will be on developing technologies with greater efficiency to produce hydrogen from biogenic wastes.
The two sides recalled the importance of the substantive exchanges between experts in the identified areas of cooperation as the basis for future action. Indian experts have participated in a training and mutual learning exercise on EV interoperability and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) E-Mobility Lab in Ispra, Italy in January 2024. Furthermore, a joint hybrid workshop on EV Charging Technologies (Standardisation and Testing) was organised at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune, India and online, to deepen the EU-Indian dialogue and the industry’s engagement in charging infrastructure standardisation processes with India. The two sides also concluded a Matchmaking Event to identify, support and organise exchanges between EU and Indian startups in technology for recycling of batteries for EVs. Experts also jointly discussed assessment and monitoring tools for marine plastic litter. Finally, an “Ideathon” fostering EU-India collaboration to co-create practical solutions involving all stakeholders for addressing marine plastic pollution effectively is in preparation.
Both sides agreed to explore cooperation on harmonising standards for EV charging infrastructure, including cooperative, pre-normative research for harmonised testing solutions and knowledge exchange in the domain of e-mobility. They also agreed to explore how to enhance collaboration in the field of hydrogen-related safety standards, the science of standards as well as the market uptake of wastewater treatment technologies as outcomes of previous jointly conducted research projects.
Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains
The European Union and India noted productive discussions under Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains with a view to building a closer economic partnership between the European Union and India. In an increasingly challenging geopolitical context, both sides committed to work together for creating wealth and shared prosperity. The work under Working Group 3 complements the ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) and a Geographical Indications Agreement which are proceeding on separate tracks.
Both sides committed to fostering resilient and future-ready value chains by prioritizing transparency, predictability, diversification, security and sustainability. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made on Agri-food, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Clean Technologies sectors and agreed on work plans in these three fields with the aim of promoting value chains that can withstand global challenges.
In agriculture, the EU and India intend to collaborate on contingency planning for food security and welcomed common efforts on shared research and innovations needs regarding climate-resilient practices, crop diversification and infrastructure improvements as promoted for cooperation through the G20 framework. In the pharmaceutical sector, both sides aim to enhance transparency and security in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) supply chains by mapping vulnerabilities, promoting sustainable manufacturing, and establishing early warning systems to prevent disruptions. Clean technology cooperation centers on strengthening supply chains for solar energy, offshore wind, and clean hydrogen by exchanging information on sectoral capabilities and investment incentives and Research, Development and Innovation priorities as well as on methodologies to assess vulnerabilities, discussing approaches to minimize trade barriers and exploring possible synergies of the supply chains. Across these sectors, the EU and India are working to foster investment, exchange best practices, and mitigate risks through regular dialogues, research collaborations, and business-to-business engagements, ensuring supply chain resilience and sustainable economic growth.
Both sides acknowledged that relevant priority market access issues are being addressed through cooperation within the TTC framework. The EU side appreciated the Indian initiatives to approve the marketing of several EU plant products while the Indian side appreciated the listing of a number of Indian aquaculture establishments and taking up the issue of equivalence for agricultural organic products. Both sides agreed to pursue their efforts on these topics, under the TTC review mechanism, and to continue their engagement on remaining issues flagged by each other.
The two sides noted the exchanges regarding best practices in the screening of Foreign Direct Investments, which is an area of growing importance to foster economic security.
The EU and India strengthened their commitment towards the multilateral trading system as an anchor in the current challenging geopolitical context. At the same time, they recognized the need to bring necessary reform to the WTO so that it is able to address efficiently and effectively issues of interest to Members. Both sides also recognized the importance of a functioning dispute settlement system. For this purpose, they agreed to deepen their dialogue and engagement to help the WTO deliver concrete outcomes, including at MC14.
Both sides have held in-depth discussions on trade and decarbonization through several bilateral channels and have engaged jointly with stakeholders, especially on the implementation of the EU’s carbon border mechanism (CBAM). Both sides discussed the challenges arising out of CBAM implementation, in particular for the small and medium enterprises and agreed to continue addressing them.
The co-chairs reaffirmed their commitment to expanding and deepening their engagement under the TTC and to working together to fulfill the goals laid out in this successful second meeting of the TTC. They agreed to meet again for the third meeting of TTC within one year from now.
Source – EU Commission – Indian Government
Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press point with Indian Prime Minister Modi
New Delhi, 28 February 2025
Dear Prime Minister Modi, dear Narendra,
Ministers,
Commissioners,
Excellencies,
Friends,
Thank you very much for the warm welcome. It is a taste of India’s legendary hospitality. Today is no ordinary day. Europe and India are coming together. And, as I read in the news, so are the planets. Indeed, today, seven planets in our solar system come into perfect alignment. That is a very outstanding event. They say that this event signals transformation and growth. It is exactly the moment we find ourselves in. The planets are aligned – and so are Europe and India.
I am here today with the whole College of Commissioners. Indeed, it is our first visit outside Europe since we took office in December. This shows how much we value our partnership. We want to take it to new heights. India is a like-minded friend. We are the two largest democracies in the world. And under your leadership, Prime Minister, it has been thriving. We are bound by shared convictions and values. From resilient supply chains to our shared interest in a free and open Indo-Pacific, we are working together. Today’s exchanges will set the path for the future of our relationship. We have agreed to work on a new Strategic Agenda. I see three main avenues.
First, we will work together on economic growth. The potential is immense. Europe is already India’s biggest trading partner. Last year alone, we exchanged EUR 120 billion worth of goods. And over the past two decades, our trade has tripled. All this is proof that our businesses and people want to work together. One of the best examples of this partnership is the new Federation of European Businesses in India. It brings together 6,000 EU companies, which have created 8 million direct and indirect jobs in this economy. We have tasked our teams to build on this momentum and finalise our Free Trade Agreement before the end of this year. We are expecting a lot of our trade negotiators, we told them they should surprise us. Now more than ever, the geopolitical context asks for decisive action. At the same time, we must take our Trade and Technology Council to the next level and connect research, innovation and market uptake. This allows us to tackle important economic challenges together. And to build robust and diverse supply chains such as for example semi-conductors, a very important topic we have been working intensively on. Because we know that economic security and growth go hand in hand. By sourcing the products we need from partners we trust, we avoid harmful dependencies. And of course we build stronger economies.
The second avenue we should explore is a common tech agenda. On clean tech, together we champion the International Solar Alliance. We agreed to launch a Joint Task Force on green hydrogen. But today I want to focus on digital technologies, where you excel. We are both powerhouses of innovation and entrepreneurship – the kind that only democracies can nurture. We share the belief that technology should serve the people, not the other way around. And here Artificial Intelligence is a prime example. It is advancing at a scale and speed never seen before. Dear Narendra, at the Paris AI Summit you said, AI is writing the code of humanity, you are so right. I am convinced that Europe and India working together can shape a future in which AI is a driver of a positive change in our economies and societies. In Paris we both have highlighted the advantages of a cooperative model for AI development where the innovators have access to quality data and computing resources. I am glad to note that AI is a major focus of the Trade and Technology Council. The European AI Office and India Al Mission also agree to deepen cooperation. And we will apply AI in the areas of natural hazards, climate change and bioinformatics. AI should be at the heart of our Strategic Agenda. The next AI Summit hosted by you, Prime Minister, will take us forward. You can count on the European Union that this Summit is going to be a big success.
Our cooperation on digital in not limited to AI. We are aiming at the interoperability of our two digital public infrastructures, which actually are the world’s largest and most advanced. India’s Aadhaar and the EU digital wallet aim to offer public and private services to nearly 2 billion citizens. Interoperability of our digital identities will strengthen ties between the EU and India even more. Our digital cooperation has also an ambitious industrial agenda. We are committed to strengthen cooperation in semiconductor R&D and manufacturing. We are cooperating in the future of secure telecommunication networks. In particular, our industrial associations have agreed to closely cooperate on 6G.
Of course, technology is only as good as the people who can use it. That is why digital skills are so important. This is a topic very close to my heart. People are essential for Europe’s competitiveness. Yet, we face a gap. India can help to close it. Let us increase student and skilled worker exchanges. Let us share expertise, talent and experience.
The third avenue I see is deeper cooperation in security and defence. For Europe, India is a pillar of certainty in an increasingly uncertain world. We know that authoritarian states are getting bolder, ignoring borders and threatening peace at sea. Now is the time to step up our security and defence cooperation on land, at sea and in space. Cybersecurity has never been so crucial. Our Cyber dialogue offers a platform for effective cooperation and information exchanges. Because threats are evolving, becoming more sophisticated by the day. Maritime security is just as essential. The Indian Ocean is a lifeline for global trade. Ensuring its security is vital, not just for India but for the whole world. We should also explore expanding our joint naval exercises, building on our very successful operations in the Gulf of Guinea and the Red Sea. Finally, we should deepen cooperation in protecting the cables that ensure data connectivity between India and the European Union. On defence, we see avenues for cooperation. India is looking into diversifying its military supply and access to new capabilities, so does Europe. So, both India and the European Union can be partners on this topic.
Prime Minister, dear Narendra,
Ministers,
Commissioners,
We are going back to Europe with fresh ideas for the future of our cooperation and for the Summit later this year. India and the EU are together greater than the sum of our parts. Together, we send a powerful and positive signal to the world. The planets are aligned – and so are Europe and India.
Source – EU Commission