Why in the News?

• The European Union has unveiled a new EU-India Strategic Roadmap to boost cooperation in trade, technology, defence, connectivity, and climate action.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• EU-India Strategic Roadmap (Introduction, Key Areas of Cooperation, Global Implications, etc.)

Introduction

• The European Union (EU) has announced a comprehensive new strategic roadmap with India, aimed at strengthening ties across trade, technology, defence, connectivity, and climate action.
• This initiative comes at a time of shifting global geopolitics and underscores the recognition of India as a vital partner for Europe in ensuring growth, security, and a rules-based global order.
• The roadmap seeks to elevate bilateral cooperation to a higher level, laying the groundwork for long-term engagement.

EU-India Strategic Roadmap: Background and Vision

• The roadmap was unveiled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
• It is presented as part of the EU’s joint communication on a New Strategic EU-India Agenda, reflecting the bloc’s intent to deepen relations with India.
• The Commission emphasised the shared values and mutual benefits driving the partnership, noting that Europe is already India’s largest trading partner.
• It highlighted the aim to finalise the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India by the end of the year, which would become the largest deal of its kind globally.
• At the same time, EU officials acknowledged points of contention, such as India’s purchase of Russian oil and participation in Russian military exercises, which could pose challenges in advancing ties.

Key Areas of Cooperation

• Trade and Economic Ties

• The EU is India’s biggest trading partner and views the FTA as a central element of the roadmap.
• The strategy emphasises diversifying supply chains, enhancing investment flows, and fostering a conducive environment for business.
• The proposal includes the creation of an EU-India Business Forum to increase business-to-business engagement.

• Technology and Innovation

• A strong focus has been placed on critical emerging technologies, digital transformation, and strengthening the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
• Initiatives include deepening digital cooperation, supporting startups, and inviting India to associate with the Horizon Europe programme, aimed at research and innovation.

• Defence and Security Cooperation

• The roadmap introduces a proposed EU-India Security and Defence Partnership, covering maritime security, cyber defence, crisis management, and counterterrorism.
• It suggests launching negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate classified information exchange.
• The plan also emphasises strengthening defence industrial collaboration to boost technological capabilities and innovation.

• Connectivity and Global Governance

• The roadmap highlights regional connectivity initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and trilateral cooperation projects under the EU Global Gateway.
• It prioritises cooperation in multilateral forums, promoting international law, and supporting global governance reforms.
• Labour mobility is also being addressed through a European Legal Gateway Office and a broader mobility cooperation framework covering study, work, and research opportunities.

• Climate Change and Sustainability

• The agenda commits both sides to advancing climate action and clean energy cooperation, aligning with their shared global responsibility to combat climate change.
• Cooperation will also extend to sustainable development initiatives and green technologies.

India’s Response and Global Implications

• PM Modi welcomed the roadmap, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the EU.
• He emphasised India’s stance on a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and reiterated his invitation for the next India-EU Summit to be hosted in India.
• The strategic roadmap reflects India’s growing global influence and the EU’s recognition of New Delhi as a critical partner in reshaping global economic and security architecture.
• Both sides acknowledge disagreements but underscore the broader alignment of interests in maintaining a rules-based international order.