It was a unique birthday gift for Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Brussels. Amid tariff spat with the US and shifting geopolitical alignments, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the new EU-India strategy on September 17, the day PM Modi turned 75.
“On the day we launched our new EU-India strategy, I had the pleasure of wishing @narendramodi a very happy birthday,” she posted on social media platform X. The new strategy will elevate India’s relations with the 27-nation EU across the spectrum, including trade, technology, defence, security, connectivity and climate change.
Raising the bar, Ms der Leyen said, “Now is the time to double down on partnerships rooted in shared interests and guided by common values. With our new EU-India strategy, we are taking our relationship to the next level.” The European Commission and its High Representative Kaja Kallas, the top diplomat leading EU’s foreign policy, adopted a joint communication outlining the ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’. Even as the EU seeks to elevate ties with India, Kajas added the Russia rider. “India’s participation in Russian military exercises and its purchase of Russian oil stand in the way of closer ties,” she said.
Despite differences on New Delhi’s ties with Moscow, the unveiling of the new EU-India strategy underlined growing consensus in Brussels about cementing ties with New Delhi, the emerging pole in a shifting world order. This is clear from President von der Leyen’s remarks stressing EU’s commitment to finalising a Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. “The free trade agreement with India will be the largest deal of its kind anywhere in the world,” she said.
President von der Leyen will visit India for the next India-EU summit in early 2026. “Together we’ll open a new chapter in our partnership. We also discussed progress in our ongoing trade talks and how we can work together to effectively support Ukraine’s fight for freedom,” she said in the post.
The EU document welcomes India’s rise as a global power, which creates new opportunities for strategic cooperation. India’s success benefits the EU, just as the EU’s success benefits India. The EU strategy has identified five areas of shared interest and complementary strengths.
“Amid shifting geopolitical realities, closer EU–India relations are increasingly vital for strengthening economic growth and security, and diversifying supply chains in response to today’s uncertain global order. Beyond the bilateral dimension, the new strategic agenda highlights EU-India joint engagement on global issues and with third partners, reflecting India’s growing global influence,” it said.
The document highlights “significant untapped potential in trade and investment, outlining strategies to strengthen commercial ties, particularly finalising the ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement”. It proposed “reinforcing supply chains while promoting critical emerging technologies and engagement on digital issues, with particular attention to strengthening economic security within the Trade and Technology Council (TTC). This new strategy also proposes deepening tech cooperation, including a potential EU-India Startup partnership, and invites India to associate with Horizon Europe programme.
The Joint Communication also renews commitment to the proposed EU-India Security and Defence Partnership, which will enhance strategic consultations and joint initiatives, including on crisis management, maritime security, cyber defence, and counterterrorism. The two sides also plan to scale up defence industrial cooperation, and focus on boosting production and technological capabilities, securing supply chains, and driving innovation.
