Today, the European Union and India are holding their 16th EU-India Summit in New Delhi, opening a whole new chapter in the EU-India Strategic Partnership (see AVIONEWS). The successful conclusion of an EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the launch of an EU-India Security and Defence Partnership underline the potential and determination of both partners to shape one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.

As guests of honour, Presidents von der Leyen and Costa attended India's 77th Republic Day Parade celebrations on 26 January. This marks the first time leaders of the European Union participate in the event, underscoring the deepening of EU–India relations.

Presidents von der Leyen and Costa mark the conclusion of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), one of the largest agreements of its kind globally. The FTA substantially reduces tariff and non-tariff barriers, cutting €4 billion in tariffs for exporters of all sizes and unlocking significant trade and investment opportunities. Currently, 6,000 European companies operate in India – a figure that is set to increase under the new agreement. By combining improved market access with clear, simple, predictable and enforceable rules, including robust sustainable development provisions, the agreement supports more integrated supply chains, trade diversification and new export opportunities for Indian and European businesses. Together, the EU and India leverage their strengths and reinforce their joint economic security. A dedicated press release on the EU-India FTA is available here.

On the margins of the Summit, President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Modi participate in the first ever EU-India Business Forum, engaging with business leaders to deepen private-sector engagement and advance shared economic priorities.

The Summit sees the signature of the EU–India Security and Defence Partnership. The partnership enables closer cooperation and joint initiatives on shared priorities such as maritime security, non-proliferation and disarmament, space, countering cyber and hybrid threats, and counterterrorism. Under this partnership, the EU and India strengthen defence industrial cooperation and advance alignment on defence initiatives.

Leaders launch the negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement to enable the exchange of classified information, in line with the security interests of the EU and its Member States, paving the way for India's participation in EU security and defence initiatives in line with EU Treaty-based frameworks.

The EU and India further strengthen collaboration on emerging and critical technologies, innovation, and research, including by creating EU–India Innovation Hubs and launching an EU–India Startup Partnership. In addition, leaders renew the EU-India Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation until 2030 and launch exploratory talks on the association of India to Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research and innovation programme.

In addition, an EU–India Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility, adopted as a memorandum of understanding in parallel with the finalisation of the FTA, offers an excellent opportunity for us to cooperate on facilitating labour mobility, supporting skills development and capacity building, and working on skills and qualification frameworks. This cooperation framework will facilitate the mobility of skilled workers, young professionals and seasonal works in shortage sectors, while promoting research and innovation. It will also be supported by a European Legal Gateway Office in India, which is the first of its kind. The Office will help Indian workers, students, and researchers find out about opportunities in Europe, starting with the ICT sector with the aim of expanding it further in the future. The endorsement of a high-level EU–India Education and Skills Dialogue further supports these objectives by strengthening cooperation on skills, qualifications and recognition, and to facilitate the flow of talent.

At the Summit, leaders endorse the ‘Towards 2030: EU-India Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda', which guides cooperation on prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity, global issues, and people-to-people cooperation. It is also set to deliver a number of key outcomes.

The Summit allows the EU and India to reaffirm the intention to join forces to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and to enhance cooperation on environmental issues, the clean transition, energy resilience and circular economy, including the launch of a Green Hydrogen Task Force, in the framework of the EU-India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership.

The leaders also advance quality connectivity from Europe to the Indo-Pacific, including a Global Gateway Green Shipping Corridors and hubs (GGGSCH), with a regional workshop to take place in India in 2026. The EU and India also foster their trilateral cooperation in third countries across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific to advance clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, digital connectivity and resilience.

Looking ahead, the Summit is followed on 6-7 February by the India-EU Forum, a premier Track 1.5 platform convening senior policymakers, industry leaders, experts and think tanks from all 27 EU Member States and India, to build trust and foster concrete initiatives for strategic cooperation.