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European Union

Strengthening India-EU Ties: Progress on Trade and Strategic Agenda

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A high-level parliamentary delegation from the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade Affairs (INTA) met with Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh at the Parliament House in New Delhi, marking a significant step in strengthening the India-EU relationship. The discussion centered on the ongoing negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the "new India-EU Strategic Agenda." The participants expressed optimism about the completion of the FTA and outlined key objectives under the new strategic roadmap, including the anticipated finalization of the FTA by the year-end and the conclusion of a Security and Defence Partnership at the next India-EU Summit. The meeting highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and the shared values of democracy, economic openness, and pluralism between India and the EU.

Key Takeaways:

  • The meeting between the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade Affairs (INTA) and Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh marked a significant step in strengthening the India-EU relationship.
  • Deputy Chairman Harivansh expressed strong confidence in the imminent finalization of the long-awaited India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  • The discussion highlighted the fundamental alignment between India and the European Union, based on democratic values, economic openness, and pluralism.
  • The meeting also addressed the "new India-EU Strategic Agenda," outlined in a Joint Communication by the EU in September 2025, which aims to elevate the partnership across vital areas, including trade, technology, security, defence, innovation, climate action, and global governance.
  • The EU is India's leading trade and investment partner, as well as its largest bilateral trading partner in goods in the last financial year.
  • The Deputy Chairman emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and the strengthening of the India-EU partnership, allowing meaningful interactions with European counterparts.

Statistics:

  • Prior to the meeting, India and the EU had strong bilateral trade relations.
  • The EU is India's largest bilateral trading partner in goods in the last financial year.
  • The "new India-EU Strategic Agenda" outlined in the Joint Communication by the EU aims to strengthen ties in multiple areas, including trade, technology, and security.

Sources:

  • European Parliament's Committee on International Trade Affairs (INTA)
  • Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh
  • Joint Communication by the EU (published on September 2025)

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