India and EU Strengthen Strategic Partnership: FTA, AI, Clean Energy and Connectivity in Focus

India and the European Union (EU) have reviewed the progress of their strategic partnership, focusing on trade, investment, emerging technologies, clean energy and international connectivity. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation, accelerate the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and expand collaboration in areas that are important for future growth.

The discussions took place during the 7th India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting (SPRM) in New Delhi on November 9, 2026. The meeting highlighted the growing importance of India-EU relations amid changing global economic and technological developments.

7th India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting Held in New Delhi

The seventh India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting was co-chaired by Sibi George, Secretary (West) in India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Matti Maasikas, Deputy Secretary General for Geoeconomics and Interinstitutional Issues at the European External Action Service.

During the meeting, both sides welcomed the positive progress in their bilateral relationship. They also reviewed the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda adopted at the 16th India-EU Summit held in New Delhi on January 27, 2026.

The discussions covered several important areas, including economic cooperation, international trade, technological development, environmental sustainability and people-to-people connections.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement and Investment Cooperation

Trade and investment remained among the most important topics during the discussions. India and the European Union reviewed their efforts to move forward with the timely signing and implementation of the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

The agreement is expected to create opportunities for businesses, improve market access and encourage greater trade and investment between the two economies.

Apart from the FTA, both sides agreed to continue working towards completing two other important agreements:

• Investment Protection Agreement: A proposed agreement aimed at strengthening investor confidence and providing greater protection for investments.

• Agreement on Geographical Indications (GI): An agreement focused on protecting products associated with specific geographical regions and their unique qualities.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of building stronger supply chains and improving economic security.

Strengthening Supply Chains and Economic Security

India and the EU discussed ways to make their supply chains more reliable and resilient. Cooperation under the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and the Blue Valleys initiative was also reviewed.

These initiatives provide opportunities for both partners to work together on trade, technology and economic development.

Stronger supply chains are particularly important at a time when businesses across the world are looking for reliable sources of essential materials, advanced technologies and industrial components.

Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and Critical Technologies

Emerging technologies formed another major part of the India-EU discussions. Both sides explored opportunities to increase cooperation in several important technology sectors, including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Quantum technologies

• Advanced semiconductors

• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

• Clean technology

• Biotechnology

The two partners also discussed creating a supportive digital environment and expanding cooperation in digital public infrastructure.

Greater collaboration in these areas could support innovation, improve technological capabilities and create new opportunities for businesses, researchers and technology professionals.

India and EU Discuss Clean Energy and Sustainability

Clean energy and environmental sustainability were also important subjects during the meeting. India and the European Union renewed their commitment to supporting the global clean energy transition.

Both sides reviewed their ongoing cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen their work in sustainable development.

Another important topic was India's ship recycling industry. The two partners discussed including Indian ship recycling yards that follow the European Union's Ship Recycling Regulation in its list of approved ship recycling facilities.

This initiative could help compliant Indian ship recycling facilities improve their access to international opportunities while supporting environmentally responsible recycling practices.

Research and Innovation Cooperation Through Horizon Europe

India and the EU also expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation in research and innovation.

One important area discussed was the possibility of India's association with Horizon Europe, the European Union's research and innovation programme.

Stronger research partnerships could help institutions, scientists and businesses from both sides work together on scientific discoveries, technological advancements and solutions to global challenges.

Cooperation in research and innovation is also expected to support knowledge sharing and create opportunities for future technological development.

Global Gateway and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

Connectivity was another key area of discussion during the strategic review meeting.

India and the European Union highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation through major connectivity initiatives, particularly the Global Gateway and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Both sides also discussed possible trilateral projects in areas such as:

• Clean energy

• Climate resilience

• Green mobility

• Digitalisation

The discussions highlighted the importance of improving international connectivity and building stronger partnerships to address global challenges.

Both partners also recognised the need for greater coordination to support effective global governance.

Focus on Education, Skills and People-to-People Connections

Beyond economic and technological cooperation, India and the EU discussed ways to strengthen connections between their people.

The discussions focused on talent mobility, education and skills development. Both sides exchanged updates on the European Legal Gateway Office and expressed interest in the next edition of the India-EU Human Rights Dialogue.

These efforts aim to create stronger links between people, educational institutions and professionals while encouraging greater cooperation in skill development and employment opportunities.

India and EU Plan Their Next Strategic Partnership Review

At the conclusion of the meeting, India and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to building a stronger and more meaningful partnership.

Both sides described each other as trusted, predictable and like-minded partners. They also expressed their willingness to work towards mutually beneficial outcomes that could bring long-term economic and strategic advantages.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to review preparations for upcoming engagements at the leaders' level.

India and the EU agreed to organise the 8th Strategic Partnership Review Meeting in Brussels in 2027, on a mutually convenient date.

Conclusion

The seventh India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting reflects the growing importance of cooperation between India and the European Union. Discussions on the proposed FTA, investment, artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors, clean energy and international connectivity demonstrate the wide range of opportunities available to both partners.

As global trade, technology and economic relationships continue to evolve, stronger India-EU cooperation could support innovation, business growth, sustainable development and international stability. The proposed agreements and ongoing initiatives will remain important areas to watch as both sides work towards a deeper and more beneficial strategic relationship.