India and EU Poised to Strengthen Strategic Partnership Amid Free Trade Talks

The European Union is preparing to advance a comprehensive trade and security partnership with India, with major agreements expected to be finalised during the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa later this month.

Speaking to the European Parliament, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas confirmed that the bloc will move forward with a new EU-India Security and Defence Partnership, slated for signing at the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi next week. The partnership aims to broaden collaboration in maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber defence.

Comprehensive Strategic Agenda on the Table

The summit, scheduled for January 27, is also set to adopt a comprehensive strategic agenda to deepen political, economic, and security ties between India and the EU.

Earlier, von der Leyen indicated that the European Union is close to finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, calling it potentially “the mother of all deals.” Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, she highlighted that the agreement could open a market of nearly two billion people, representing almost a quarter of global GDP.

“There is still work to do. But we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement,” she said, emphasizing Europe’s commitment to expanding trade and international cooperation, especially with India.

High-Level State Visit and Republic Day Participation

President Costa and Commission President von der Leyen will undertake a three-day state visit to India from January 25 to 27, serving as Chief Guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations. During the visit, they will co-chair the India-EU Summit, meet President Droupadi Murmu, and hold both restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India and the EU have been strategic partners since 2004, with the previous summit held virtually in July 2020. Officials on both sides view the upcoming visit as a major step toward deepening the India-EU Strategic Partnership, particularly amid advanced negotiations on the long-pending Free Trade Agreement.

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