India-EU Joint Statement on the State Visit of H.E. Mr. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to India, and the 16th India-EU Summit (25–27 January 2026)
1. At the invitation of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, President of the European Council, H.E. Mr. Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission, H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, paid a State Visit to India on 25–27 January 2026 as the Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day of India. President Costa and President von der Leyen were accompanied by a high-level delegation including High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Ms. Kaja Kallas and Trade Commissioner Mr. Maroš Šefčovič.
2. This is the first visit by the leaders of the European Union as Guests of Honour for the Republic Day. It symbolises the growing closeness, depth and dynamism in India–EU relations, and their joint commitment and shared interest in shaping a resilient multipolar global order that underpins peace and stability, economic growth and sustainable development. The visit follows the historic visit of the European Union College of Commissioners led by President von der Leyen to India on 27–28 February 2025.
3. The two Leaders were warmly welcomed by Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. They then travelled together in a ceremonial procession to attend the Republic Day celebrations and witness the parade. For the first time ever, a contingent consisting of representatives from both the European Union Military Staff and the European Union Naval Operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES participated in the Republic Day Parade. President Costa and President von der Leyen joined President Murmu, for an ‘At-Home’ reception in Rashtrapati Bhavan. In honour of the visiting dignitaries, President Murmu, hosted a Banquet on 27 January 2026. Earlier that afternoon, Prime Minister Modi also hosted a luncheon in their honour. Page 1 of 22
4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with President Antonio Costa and President Ursula von der Leyen co‑chaired the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi on 27 January 2026 and underlined their commitment to raise the India–EU Strategic Partnership to a higher level based on shared values and principles including democracy, human rights, pluralism, rule of law, and the rules‑based international order with the UN at its core. They committed to tackling security threats, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth, strengthening economic resilience and security, advancing climate and biodiversity action, and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
5. The leaders also addressed the India–EU Business Forum, attended by CEOs and industry leaders from both sides, where they called for ambitious private sector investments to harness synergies in critical sectors and for new business initiatives to drive closer trade and investment ties.
6. The leaders commended progress on the ‘India‑EU Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025’. The two sides reiterated their determination to further reinforce their strategic partnership, delivering tangible benefits for both sides. The Summit took place against the backdrop of the positive momentum in India–EU relations in recent years, and sustained high‑level engagement across all domains. Delivering on the strategic partnership
7. The leaders hailed the successful conclusion of negotiations of the landmark India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This historic deal is a milestone in the India–EU Strategic Partnership that will significantly enhance bilateral trade and investment ties, drive shared prosperity, strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains, and support sustainable and inclusive growth.
8. The leaders welcomed the signing of the India–EU Security and Defence Partnership, the first such overarching defence and security framework between the two sides that will deepen ties in the domains of maritime security, defence industry and technology, cyber and hybrid threats, space, and counter‑terrorism among others. They also welcomed the launch of negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement that will facilitate the exchange of classified information and pave the way for a stronger cooperation in areas related to security and defence. Page 2 of 22 Regional and Multilateral co‑operation
9. The leaders emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system, with the United Nations at its core. They underlined the necessity of comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic, accountable and reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities. They emphasized the World Trade Organization's central role in the multilateral trading system and global trade governance and underlined that meaningful, necessary and comprehensive reform of the WTO is essential to improve its functions so that it is better suited to advance all Members’ objectives.
10. The leaders underscored the importance of close cooperation on regional and global security matters, acknowledging that the security and prosperity of Europe and the Indo‑Pacific are interconnected.
11. The two sides reiterated their shared commitment to promoting a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo‑Pacific, in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS, recognising their respective roles and engagement in the region. The leaders welcomed closer engagement in the region, including the inaugural edition of the forthcoming India‑EU Consultations on the Indo‑Pacific, in New Delhi. They also looked forward to joint activities in the Indo‑Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), and to strengthen cooperation in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) under India's Chairship.
12. On Ukraine, the two sides expressed concern over the ongoing war, which continues to cause immense human suffering and carries global consequences. Both sides will continue to support efforts towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, based on the principles of the UN Charter and of international law, including independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Page 3 of 22
13. The leaders noted the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 2803 of 17 November 2025 which welcomes the establishment of the Board of Peace and authorizes an International Stabilisation Force, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, as a step forward to end the Gaza conflict. They encouraged all parties to implement the resolution in its entirety, in line with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Both sides restated their readiness to support efforts towards just and durable peace and stressed the need for unhindered humanitarian access. They also called for a just and lasting solution, based on the implementation of the two-State solution, through dialogue and diplomacy.
14. The two sides discussed the recent developments of concern in Iran and the region. They underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving issues in a peaceful manner.
15. The leaders unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism, in all its forms and manifestations including cross‑border terrorism. They called for decisive and concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner and in accordance with international law. They agreed to enhance cooperation to counter radicalisation and violent extremism, combat financing of terrorism, promote internationally agreed anti‑money laundering standards, prevent exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, and tackle terrorist recruitment. They condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 and the terror incident near Red Fort, New Delhi on 10 November 2025. Towards 2030: India–EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda
16. The leaders adopted “Towards 2030: India–EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda” to elevate the strategic cooperation between two sides. The Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda is aimed at accelerating progress across five key pillars: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global challenges, as well as enabling factors such as skills, mobility, business and people‑to‑people ties. Page 4 of 22
17. In the context of global uncertainty and disruptions, closer economic ties between India and the EU are more important than ever to drive growth, job creation, green transition, industrial development, and more resilient, sustainable and trustworthy supply chains. The leaders of India and the EU are committed to ensure the full implementation of the FTA. Additionally, they tasked their respective teams to complete negotiations, at the earliest opportunity, on an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) and on an Agreement on Geographical Indications (GIs). They committed to work on scaling up bilateral investments and engage in discussion on Blue Valleys to accelerate private sector engagement in strengthening select value chains. They also undertook to work on scaling up investments together in third countries including through trilateral co‑operation, drawing upon India and the EU’s experience in development assistance, including the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.
18. India and the EU have complementary strengths in the technology domain. Both sides will increase collaboration across the entire value chain, linking enhanced research and innovation to business engagement and market operationalisation. In the current geopolitical environment and amidst global disruptions, they reaffirmed the India‑EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), a high‑level coordination platform to address key trade, technology and economic security issues, as the cornerstone of their technology partnership and aim to further enhance its work. The two sides will continue to advance together on promoting Digital Public Infrastructure including interoperable standards and exchange of best practices on regulatory frameworks, collaboration in new technologies (including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, digital public infrastructure and 6G) to build cyber‑secure, trusted digital ecosystems as well as to advance cooperation in clean tech. They will broaden discussions on economic security, in particular on the resilience of supply chains and research security, underlining the importance of protecting sensitive technologies. Both sides agreed to hold the next TTC ministerial meeting in Brussels in 2026 and to deepen business consultations. Page 5 of 22
19. The two sides will further strengthen collaboration on emerging technologies, innovation, and research, including by creating EU–India Innovation Hubs and launching an EU–India Startup Partnership. The leaders welcomed the renewal of the India–EU Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation until 2030 and agreed to launch exploratory talks on the association of India to Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme. They welcomed the productive discussions at the inaugural India–EU Space Dialogue in Brussels in November 2025.
20. The leaders recognised the increasing incidents of extreme climate events and reaffirmed the importance of the Paris Agreement, the successive Conference of the Parties’ (COP) outcomes, and respective Nationally Determined Contributions. They agreed to cooperate closely for their effective implementation and to join forces to raise global action, including by holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre industrial levels. They reaffirmed the importance of the principles of equity, and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances. They commended the International Solar Alliance’s (ISA) efforts to provide energy access and install large‑scale solar energy capacities in developing countries.
21. The leaders committed to accelerated cooperation in clean transition and energy resilience in the framework of the EU-India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership. In this context, they welcomed the creation of the India–EU Task Force on Green Hydrogen, and the announcement of an India-EU Wind Business Summit to be convened in 2026. The signing of the India–EU Administrative Arrangement on Disaster Risk Management will pave the way for enhanced coordination in disaster preparedness and response capacities. Closer engagement of the EU with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) complements this cooperation.
22. The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation on environmental issues, deepening collaboration on circular economy, biodiversity, water resilience and security, and launching Ocean and Fisheries Dialogue. They reaffirmed their commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Page 6 of 22
23. Geopolitical realities and growing cross‑regional security threats call for closer EU–India cooperation. As the two sides strengthen their security and defence capabilities, they will enhance preparedness across domains – from maritime security to hybrid threats, counterterrorism, space security, and transnational crime – while deepening crisis‑management engagement and mutually beneficial defence‑industry collaboration. India and EU will also engage on the growing challenge of maritime pollution, safety and security of sea farers, and vessels which circumvent compliance to relevant and applicable international maritime regulations, to which they are party.
24. The two sides will work together to improve regional connectivity, upholding high standards while unlocking new commercial opportunities for EU and Indian businesses. The leaders underlined the launch of joint projects under the India‑EU Connectivity Partnership supported by Global Gateway and India’s MAHASAGAR, the setting up of a regular Aviation Dialogue, and cooperation in the maritime transport sector. They welcomed advances in the India‑Middle East‑Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), launched during the 2023 G20 New Delhi Summit, and looked forward to the first Ministerial meeting. The two sides will implement trilateral cooperation projects under the India‑EU Administrative Arrangement on Trilateral Cooperation, in areas such as energy, climate resilience, green mobility, and digitalisation.
25. The leaders highlighted that education and people‑to‑people ties have emerged as vital enablers of the India‑EU Strategic Partnership. They welcomed the conclusion of the India‑EU Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility, in line with the national competences of EU Member States and India and domestic legislation of both Parties. They commended the launch of the first pilot European Legal Gateway Office, as a one‑stop hub to provide information and support the movement of workers, starting with the ICT sector. They reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration on safe, regular and orderly migration, including through circular pathways, for highly skilled workers, students, researchers, and seasonal workers in shortage occupations, whilst also strengthening cooperation on countering irregular migration, in accordance with national competences and the law of both Parties. Page 7 of 22
26. Aspiring to deepen educational and academic collaboration, the two sides agreed to launch Education and Skills Dialogue in 2026 to promote skills development, facilitate recognition of qualifications and learning periods abroad, and support systemic collaboration in higher and vocational education.
27. President Costa and President von der Leyen welcomed the holding of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on 19–20 February 2026, and the leaders looked forward to a successful event, re‑emphasizing their commitment to outcome‑oriented cooperation.
28. The leaders underlined the importance of regular India–EU Summits to take forward the strategic partnership and implement the India‑EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda. President Costa and President von der Leyen thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm hospitality and invited him for the 17th India–EU Summit in Brussels at a mutually convenient time next year.
New Delhi 27 January 2026 Page 8 of 22 ANNEX Towards 2030:
A Joint India-European Union Comprehensive Strategic Agenda1 This Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, endorsed at the 16th India-EU Summit held on 27 January 2026 in New Delhi, aims to further reinforce the strategic partnership by broadening, deepening and better coordinating EU-India cooperation to deliver mutually beneficial, concrete and transformative outcomes for both partners and for the wider world. The strategic agenda covers key areas: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global issues, reinforced by enablers across pillars. Building on more than 20 years of strategic partnership, it is a forward-looking action plan that reflects the commitment of both sides to work together in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment as trusted, predictable and like-minded partners.
1. 1.1 PROSPERITY AND SUSTAINABILITY Boosting Trade and Investment
1.1.1 Recognizing that trade and economic ties continue to shape the foundation of the India EU bilateral partnership, the two sides reaffirm commitment to this vital pillar to strengthen trade linkages, investment avenues, and enhance global supply and value chains.
1.1.2 Hailing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement as a historic milestone in the strategic partnership, call for its timely implementation to further unlock immense opportunities as a driver of shared prosperity and resilience.
1.1.3 Conclude an Investment Protection Agreement to provide high, predictable standards of protection for investors on both sides, and promote investment in selected high growth and future-oriented sectors.
1.1.4 Conclude an Agreement on Geographical Indications to ensure effective protection of iconic products and boost trade opportunities.
1 This Joint Agenda creates no financial commitments and establishes no legally binding rights or obligations under domestic or international law. Upon adoption, it supersedes the EU–India Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025. Page 9 of 22
1.1.5 Following the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding on supervisory cooperation between the European Securities and Market Authorities and the Reserve Bank of India, enhance regulatory cooperation on financial services, including establishing a structured Regulatory Dialogue on Financial Services.
1.1.6 Deepen and broaden EU-India customs cooperation.
1.1.7 Strengthen the bilateral EU-India Macroeconomic Dialogue.
1.1.8 Scale up Team Europe Global Gateway investments in and with India, with the European Investment Bank (EIB) as a key partner.
1.2 Strengthening supply chains and economic security
1.2.1 Jointly assess external vulnerabilities and strategic trade opportunities. and expand collaboration in strategic value chains.
1.2.2 Engage in discussions on Blue Valleys for selected strategic value chains to accelerate private sector engagement through investment facilitation, standard alignment, and structured business collaboration.
1.2.3 Broaden discussions on economic security within the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) to issues such as research security and protection of sensitive technologies.
1.2.4 Implement the EU-India Semiconductor Memorandum of Understanding, strengthen the resilience of semiconductor supply chains and promote mutually beneficial collaboration in research and development for chip design, heterogeneous integration, sustainable semiconductor technologies and technology development for semi-conductor manufacturing.
1.2.5 Develop further cooperation to scale up climate action in the light of national circumstances, including in all relevant energy sectors.
1.2.6 Deepen collaboration, including through a joint reflection paper, on early warning systems for active pharmaceutical ingredients, contingency planning in agrifood supply chains, and to advance bio-manufacturing and other areas of biotechnology.
1.2.7 Cooperate with the aim of developing resilient, secure and diversified critical minerals supply chains for energy transition and sustainable industrial ecosystems. Page 10 of 22
1.3 Advancing the clean transition and resilience
1.3.1 Strengthen cooperation under the India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership, including through energy technologies, smart grids, storage, electricity sector regulation, energy and climate diplomacy.
1.3.2 Reactivate the Joint Working Group on Energy Security under the India-EU Energy Panel which would inter-alia focus on dialogue on diversifying reliable and affordable energy sources and strengthen co-operation to promote energy efficiency improvement across sectors.
1.3.3 Organise an India-EU Wind Business Summit to foster business and expert exchanges on wind energy technologies, know-how, auction design, tendering, investment and financing, research and innovation, and testing and demonstration facilities.
1.3.4 Operationalise the India-EU Task Force on Green Hydrogen to foster cooperation on hydrogen production, storage, and distribution to support efforts to decarbonise hard to-abate sectors.
1.3.5 Explore further cooperation in sustainable mobility including Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Compressed Biogas (CBG), as well as on vehicles’ energy certification methodologies, e-mobility, and electric vehicle charging standards.
1.3.6 Pursue cooperation in the railway sector for the adoption of advanced rail standards focusing on High Speed, decarbonisation, digitalisation and automation of operation and Maintenance activities.
1.3.7 Pursue cooperation to support sustainable ship recycling activities, especially through the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships and inclusion of Indian ship recycling yards which comply with the European Union Regulation on Ship Recycling in its list of ship recycling facilities.
1.3.8 Deepen cooperation under the India-EU Partnership on Smart and Sustainable Urbanisation including by furthering city-to-city cooperation and exchanges as well as investments.
1.3.9 Advance collaboration on sustainable finance instruments and corporate sustainability, including under the EU’s Global Green Bonds Initiative. Page 11 of 22
1.3.10 Work together to make power markets stronger, using tools such as contracts for difference, smart meter insights, and offtake agreements. Team up to make offtake deals easier and share know-how on technologies like electrolysers, fuel cells, and energy storage.
1.3.11 Cooperate on efforts towards industrial decarbonisation of heavy hard to abate energy intensive industries, including through exchanging best practices on low-carbon materials definitions such as steel and cement, while ensuring a level playing field.
1.3.12 Work towards sharing experiences on the design and implementation of India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), and the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and exploring further cooperation.
1.3.13 Deepen cooperation on climate adaptation and resilience for preventing and reducing climate risks, improving disaster preparedness and response capabilities, and strengthening infrastructure resilience, including through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
1.3.14 Deepen collaboration on water resilience and security within the India–EU Water Partnership through organisation of regular EU-India Joint Working Group on Water Cooperation.
1.3.15 Reinforce the Resource Efficiency & Circular Economy Partnership, including by establishing an India-EU Joint Working Group on Circular Economy.
1.3.16 Further strengthen exchanges through the bilateral Dialogue on Environment and explore options to resume the India-EU Environmental Forum to facilitate exchanges between government and business stakeholders.
1.3.17 Support sustainable agriculture and foster sustainable agrifood systems including through establishment of an Agrifood Policy Partnership Dialogue.
1.3.18 Advance bilateral cooperation on health including disease prevention, vaccines, preparedness, sharing of epidemic intelligence, wastewater surveillance, information and knowledge sharing and responsible data-sharing; enhance collaboration between disease control centres; and support sustainable and resilient health systems.
1.3.19 Implement the Administrative Arrangement on cooperation in disaster risk management to strengthen cooperation through policy dialogue, technical engagement, knowledge sharing, early-warning and emergency response. Page 12 of 22 2.
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
2.1 Supporting critical emerging technologies
2.1.1 Promote collaborative research focused on artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, advanced semiconductors, clean tech and biotech.
2.1.2 Set up India-EU Innovation Hubs, to support dialogue, knowledge exchange, and joint projects in critical emerging technologies, by bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, startups, investors, as well as civil society experts to identify shared priorities and catalyse innovation.
2.1.3 Advance promising technologies from early-stage collaboration to promote industrial deployment and accelerate private-sector engagement.
2.1.4 Establish an India-EU Startup Partnership in collaboration with the European Innovation Council, Start-up India, and Member States, to promote cross-border investment, co-creation, and deep-tech scale-ups between European and Indian SMEs, incubators and start-ups.
2.1.5 Cooperate on mutually beneficial research and development, reciprocal talent exchanges, and technological development of advanced semiconductors, focusing on design and prototyping for AI applications, leveraging inter alia Indian design strengths and EU research infrastructures.
2.1.6 Cooperate on strategic AI domains, including large language models, multilingual natural language processing datasets, AI training datasets, and AI solutions for public goods such as healthcare, agriculture, and climate action.
2.1.7 Develop trustworthy, sustainable, human-centric AI, including by strengthening collaboration between the European AI Office and India’s National AI Mission and India AI Safety Institute to expand AI safety, testing, and evaluation.
2.1.8 Expand joint activities under the India-EU Intent of Cooperation (IoC) on High Performance Computing (HPC) to include reciprocal access to facilities, common benchmarking standards, co-developed applications in simulation, optimisation, and machine learning, researcher exchanges, joint doctoral programmes, and co-funding to accelerate hybrid workflows from proof-of-concept to production. Page 13 of 22
2.1.9 Deepen cooperation, through the India-EU Space Dialogue, in space technology including on earth observation, satellite navigation, space surveillance, and communication and advance collaboration including on space security.
2.1.10 Jointly undertake robust measures to protect critical technologies.
2.1.11 Pursue the ongoing dialogue on harmonising charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
2.2 Advancing a conducive digital environment
2.2.1 Deepen cooperation to create a trustworthy, secure, fair, and interoperable digital ecosystem, including by strengthened regulatory collaboration.
2.2.2 Strengthen engagements on robust data protection frameworks.
2.2.3 Promote fair digital markets, secure e-commerce, online privacy, legal certainty, product safety, corporate sustainability, and child protection, while combating illegal content and systemic risks in compliance with applicable national and international laws.
2.2.4 Strengthen mutual experience sharing on universal, meaningful, robust and secure digital infrastructure and collaborate to develop and promote secure and trusted telecommunications ecosystems including under the Memorandum of Understanding between India’s Bharat 6G alliance and the EU’s 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association.
2.2.5 Establish structured mechanisms for capacity building cooperation, knowledge sharing, and expert exchange programmes aimed at fostering innovation, standardisation, and inclusive digital growth.
2.2.6 Collaborate on digital public infrastructure (DPI), leveraging experience in e Governance solutions, policies and standards and large-scale platforms to support financial inclusion, digital identity, and efficient public service delivery, and promote deployment of joint DPI solutions in third countries.
2.2.7 Explore technical interoperability, such as between the European Digital Wallet and India’s Digital Wallet, to facilitate cross-border trade, travel and data exchanges.
2.2.8 Implement the Administrative Arrangement on Advanced Electronic Signatures and Seals. Page 14 of 22
2.3 Promoting research cooperation
2.3.1 Deepen cooperation under the EU research and innovation programme Horizon Europe, including in the fields of digital, energy, water, agrifood, health, semiconductors, biotech, advanced materials, particularly through mechanisms such as co-funding and coordinated calls.
2.3.2 Explore options for association of India to Horizon Europe to enable Indian researchers and institutions to participate on an equal footing with European partners in collaborative projects across the wide range of fields covered by the programme.
2.3.3 Promote collaboration on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy under the India-Euratom agreement on research and development activities in nuclear science and technology, advanced materials for detectors, radiation safety, nuclear security, non-power applications of atomic energy including cooperation on radio-pharmaceuticals and strengthen cooperation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor.
2.3.4 Establish and implement a comprehensive semiconductor collaboration framework encompassing joint research and development, reciprocal talent and skill exchanges, advanced semiconductor manufacturing and packaging, and strategic partnerships for resilient supply chain, thereby strengthening global ecosystem for advanced semiconductors focusing on design and prototyping for AI applications.
3. 3.1 SECURITY AND DEFENCE Bilateral cooperation
3.1.1 Implement the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in security and defence, including maritime security, defence industry and technology, cyber and hybrid threats, space and counterterrorism.
3.1.2 Enhance the existing Security and Defence Consultations to an annual EU-India Security and Defence Dialogue through the SDP.
3.1.3 Conclude an India-EU Security of Information Agreement to facilitate exchanges of classified information and stronger security and defence cooperation. Page 15 of 22
3.2 Defence industrial cooperation
3.2.1 Consult on respective defence initiatives, including through exchanges on defence industry- related matters. Explore, where there are mutual interest and alignment of security priorities, possibilities for India’s participation in relevant EU defence initiatives, as appropriate, in line with respective legal frameworks.
3.2.2 Set up an industry-led India - EU Defence Industry Forum to bring together businesses from both sides, with official participation as observers and associating EU Member States, for further focused discussions on defence industry to explore opportunities.
3.3 Deepening engagement on regional security
3.3.1 Enhance cooperation to promote a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific built on international law and mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful resolution of disputes, underpinned by effective regional institutions and reflective of inter-regional linkages.
3.3.2 Pursue engagement through the EU’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), the India Ocean Rim Association (IORA), as a dialogue partner and in the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).
3.3.3 Launch India-EU Consultations on the Indo-Pacific and explore cooperation through projects in third countries.
3.3.4 Intensify engagement and regular exchanges on regional and global issues, including on efforts towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
3.4 Countering traditional and hybrid threats
3.4.1 Enhance cooperation to counter terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism, counter radicalisation and violent extremism, combat financing of terrorism, promote internationally agreed anti-money laundering standards, prevent exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, and tackle terrorist recruitment, including by building counter measures against terrorist propaganda and online radicalisation.
3.4.2 Enhance exchanges on hybrid threats and share best practices in developing strategies and policies to counter these threats. Page 16 of 22
3.4.3 Strengthen law enforcement cooperation through the implementation of the Working Arrangement between the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Europol, including both India’s connection to Europol’s Secure Information Exchange Network Application (SIENA) and the deployment of an Indian liaison officer at Europol’s HQ.
3.4.4 Explore cooperation between relevant Indian authorities and Eurojust and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).
3.4.5 Enhance cooperation to dismantle illicit drug production and enhance coordination to prevent drug trafficking.
4. 4.1 CONNECTIVITY AND GLOBAL ISSUES Strengthening regional connectivity
4.1.1 Strengthen connectivity between Europe, India, and the wider world, upholding high standards while unlocking new commercial opportunities for Indian and EU businesses. Further implement the 2021 EU–India Connectivity Partnership including through Global Gateway and India’s MAHASAGAR, focusing on energy connectivity, transport and digital.
4.1.2 Deepen strategic collaboration under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to diversify trade routes, reduce strategic dependencies, promote regional integration, and future-proof supply chains, including support to infrastructure development, maritime, rail, digital, and energy.
4.1.3 Advance the EU-Africa-India Digital Corridor within the framework of IMEC including through the Blue Raman submarine cable system to provide ultra-high-speed, secure, and diversified data connectivity resilient to disruptions caused by natural disasters or acts of sabotage.
4.1.4 Develop Green Shipping Corridors to strengthen sustainable maritime connectivity, reduce dependency on carbon-intensive shipping fuels and work together to achieve consensus based global low carbon maritime transport standards as well as work towards sustainable maritime transport solutions and joint development of green shipping shipbuilding ecosystem in India. Page 17 of 22
4.1.5 Establish a regular Dialogue on Aviation to explore ways to deepen market cooperation, expand direct connectivity, and strengthen sustainability cooperation in green aviation, and with a view to a possible Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement. The Dialogue will also include cooperation on aviation safety with a view to a possible Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement.
4.2 Promoting cooperation in third countries
4.2.1 Implement trilateral cooperation projects under the India–EU Administrative Arrangement on Trilateral Cooperation, in areas such as energy, climate resilience, green mobility, and digitalisation.
4.2.2 Strengthen cooperation on resilient clean energy technologies and supply chains in third countries, leverage ongoing collaboration under the International Solar Alliance towards making solar energy technology more accessible and affordable worldwide.
4.2.3 Strengthen engagement with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure through respective support to CDRI initiatives aiming at promoting Disaster Risk Reduction, building infrastructure systems, in cooperation with existing initiatives to maximise efficiency, such as the Early Warnings for All, especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
4.2.4 Enhance India–EU cooperation on Humanitarian Assistance founded on mutually recognised humanitarian principles to ensure better coordination on the ground. 4.3 Shaping effective global governance
4.3.1 Enhance coordination, close cooperation and joint action in multilateral fora, including in the United Nations (UN) and the G20.
4.3.2 Engage on reform of multilateral institutions including the UN to make them more representative and reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities.
4.3.3 Work together towards meaningful reform and strengthening of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to establish effective governance and an updated trade agenda.
4.3.4 Collaborate to build an inclusive and efficient international financial architecture, mobilise resources, advance Multilateral Development Bank reforms, and implement the Sevilla Commitment action plan. Page 18 of 22
4.3.5 Cooperate to effectively implement the Paris Agreement, the successive Conference of the Parties’ (COP) outcomes, and respective Nationally Determined Contributions.
4.3.6 Work towards effective implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; and advance the Global Water Agenda; constructively engage in the ongoing negotiations to develop an internationally legally binding instrument on plastic pollution with a view to reaching consensus; and cooperate to attain global consensus on the adoption and further implementation of the International Maritime Organization Net-Zero Framework and collaborate with India in its Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
4.3.7 Strengthen the resilience of health systems, including by supporting primary health care and universal health coverage, enhancing regulatory cooperation and health security capacities, applying a One Health approach, and leveraging digital solutions.
4.3.8 Establish India-EU Ocean and Fisheries Dialogue, for enhanced cooperation on ocean governance, including sustainable fisheries management, and protection of marine biodiversity.
4.3.9 Coordinate in UN and other multilateral AI discourses on governance towards a responsible, human-centric AI approach, among others, including by working together for a successful AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February 2026.
4.3.10 Continue to engage on human rights in a bilateral and multilateral context, including through the regular EU-India human rights dialogue and on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
4.3.11 Work together, respecting international rules, for a resilient global health architecture where relevant actors work in partnership, focusing on their core mandates and avoiding duplication, based on strong multilateral cooperation with a reformed World Health Organisation (WHO). Page 19 of 22
5. ENABLERS
5.1 Expanding skills mobility
5.1.1 Support mutually beneficial skills and talent mobility while managing migration issues effectively including countering irregular migration, migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings, and cooperating on effective and timely return and readmission of irregular migrants, as outlined in the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility.
5.1.2 Launch the first pilot European Legal Gateway Office in India as a one-stop hub to provide information and support the movement of workers to the EU, starting with the ICT sector.
5.1.3 Implement the EU-India Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility, involving interested Member States, in line with the national competences of EU Member States and the legislation of both Parties, support skills development and compare skills and qualification frameworks. Make full use of the EU Talent Pool IT platform, when available, to facilitate the recruitment of workers in shortage occupations.
5.1.4 Further modernise and simplify Schengen visa procedures through the upcoming digitalisation of visa procedures, once it enters into operation, while jointly addressing the challenges of visa fraud and document verification.
5.1.5 Strengthen mobility exchanges of students, academics and researchers through initiatives such as the Union of Skills, Erasmus+, including Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programmes, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), along with Indian funding programmes, such as the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC).
5.1.6 Initiate high-level Education and Skills Dialogue to bring together policymakers, quality assurance authorities, education institutions, and training providers, promoting a seamless flow of talent.
5.1.7 Facilitate recognition of qualifications and learning periods abroad to support systemic collaboration in higher and vocational education, enabling joint programmes, satellite campuses, and language training in India. Page 20 of 22
5.1.8 Facilitate Indian institutions joining Erasmus+ Centres of Vocational Excellence as associated partners and EU participants gaining easier access to India’s mobility, scholarship, and education programmes and experience sharing on apprenticeships.
5.1.9 Strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector aimed at boosting two-way sustainable tourism cooperation, including by sharing best practices.
5.1.10 Support skills development and technical qualifications across EU and India in critical tech areas and support mobility schemes under Horizon Europe and Indian fellowship programmes.
5.1.11 Both sides will work towards promoting equal opportunities for both women and men and achieving gender-balance across all pillars.
5.2 Promoting mutual understanding
5.2.1 Promote research on contemporary India in Europe and on the EU in India to help deepen knowledge, inform better decision-making and strengthen public awareness including through establishing a new dedicated Jean Monnet network for India under the Erasmus+ programme.
5.2.2 Create collaborative platforms to pair leading think tanks and academic institutions covering both regions to provide structured opportunities for dialogue with regular high-level participation from both sides in Track 1.5 dialogues, including strengthening the existing Track 1.5 Strategic Dialogue.
5.2.3 Promote two way cultural and language exchanges to increase mutual understanding between the EU and India. Expand initiatives such as Film and Literature Festivals featuring authors, artists, and interactive two-way cultural exchanges.
5.2.4 Strengthen professional expertise on India and the EU through exchanges between early career diplomats and contact between emerging leaders and young professionals.
5.3 Involving business communities
5.3.1 Promote cooperation among business associations focused on the development of trade and investment between the EU and India.
5.3.2 Establish an EU-India Business Forum to meet regularly to provide valuable business perspectives to inform policymaking and deepen industry input across TTC work strands. Page 21 of 22
5.4 Reinforcing institutional architecture
5.4.1 Endeavour to hold EU-India Summits annually and increase bilateral contacts through new dialogues and on the sidelines of international fora.
5.4.2 Further strengthen the profile and purview of the TTC including through incorporating a business dimension.
5.4.3 Review progress on implementation of this Joint Strategic Agenda through the India EU TTC for the pillars of prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation and through the India - EU Strategic Dialogue at the Ministerial level for the pillars of security and defence, connectivity and global issues. The Strategic Partnership Review (SPR) meeting could act as the joint implementation committee to monitor progress at senior officials’ level and report to the aforesaid ministerial fora.
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