The New EU–India Strategic Agenda
The European Union and India have launched a renewed Comprehensive Strategic Agenda Towards 2030, marking one of the most ambitious upgrades in their bilateral relationship in over two decades. Adopted at the 16th EU–India Summit in New Delhi, the agenda outlines a forward‑looking roadmap built around five pillars: prosperity, sustainability, technology, security, and global governance.
A stronger partnership built on prosperity and sustainability
The first pillar of the agenda focuses on strengthening economic ties. The EU–India Free Trade Agreement is presented as a major milestone that will open new opportunities for businesses on both sides. Alongside this, both partners aim to finalise an Investment Protection Agreement and an Agreement on Geographical Indications to support investor confidence and safeguard key products.
Beyond trade, the agenda highlights the need to build more resilient supply chains, especially in strategic sectors like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals. Joint early‑warning systems, closer regulatory cooperation, and coordinated approaches to economic security reflect a shared awareness of current global risks.
Sustainability also plays a central role. The agenda promotes cooperation on clean energy, green hydrogen, wind power, sustainable mobility, and urban development. Both sides commit to advancing climate adaptation, disaster resilience, and circular‑economy initiatives, areas where EU expertise and India’s scale can work together effectively.
Technology and Innovation at the core
The second pillar highlights the growing convergence between the EU and India in the field of emerging technologies. The agenda calls for joint work on AI, quantum technologies, advanced semiconductors, biotech, and clean tech.
A particularly notable initiative is the creation of EU–India Innovation Hubs, designed to bring together policymakers, researchers, startups, and investors. These hubs aim to accelerate industrial deployment of new technologies and foster cross‑border collaboration.
The agenda also expands cooperation on AI governance, including safety, testing, and human‑centric standards. This aligns with global efforts to ensure responsible development of AI systems.
In addition, both sides plan to deepen collaboration under Horizon Europe, explore India’s potential association to the programme, and strengthen cooperation in high‑performance computing and space technologies.
Security, Defence, and Global Governance
The agenda operationalises the EU–India Security and Defence Partnership, expanding cooperation on maritime security, cyber resilience, counterterrorism, and hybrid threats. On the global stage, the EU and India pledge closer coordination in the UN, G20, WTO, and climate and biodiversity frameworks, positioning themselves as key actors in shaping a more stable and rules‑based international order.
People, Skills, and Mobility
Enhanced mobility schemes, modernised visa procedures, academic exchanges, and mutual recognition of qualifications aim to strengthen people‑to‑people ties and support long‑term cooperation.
EISAF continues to monitor how strategic partnerships like the EU–India Agenda 2030 shape Europe’s role in a rapidly evolving global order. More analysis and insights at eisaf.es.