- The EU is aggressively working to diversify its security and economic alliances and is attempting to establish a more robust and multipolar global order by reaching out to India.
- Beyond economics, Based on existing agreements with South Korea and Japan, the EU is investigating a security and military collaboration with India.
- The EU aims to strengthen ties with India on the trade and defence fronts, especially as a counterweight to China and has shown its eagerness to secure itself as an equally dependable partner for India.
- The EU and India are well-positioned to develop a strong alliance that can handle today’s geopolitical problems and complement the growing U.S.-India partnership for the benefit of all nations
A new chapter in EU-India ties is being shaped by Ursula von der Leyen’s recent visit to India. The visit, which was the first time the whole College of Commissioners had travelled outside of Europe, demonstrated Brussels’ strategic goal to reestablish relations with a significant international ally in the face of growing great power rivalry. With an emphasis on military cooperation and commerce, this paper examines the visit’s many ramifications and places it within the larger framework of changing U.S.-Indian ties.
Strategic Background and Significance
The EU is aggressively working to diversify its security and economic alliances during the time of von der Leyen’s visit. The EU is now attempting to establish a more robust and multipolar global order by reaching out to India, one of the most vibrant growing economies in the world, in light of the pressure on old transatlantic connections and the uncertainty brought on by U.S. trade policies. Over the last ten years, bilateral commerce between India and the EU has increased by about 90%, offering enormous potential for deeper economic integration. India views the EU as its major trading partner in products.
Both parties underlined. their commitment to strengthening the strategic alliance.during high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other important ministries during the visit. The conclusion of a long-stalled free trade agreement (FTA) that aims to increase market access, lower tariffs on essential items, and improve supply chain resilience in industries including luxury goods, industrial equipment, and vehicles were given fresh priority.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
One of the pillars of the relationship between the EU and India is still its economic component. In addition to being a sizable export market, the EU is also a vital source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India, especially in green technology, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. Given the great potential for mutual benefit, the proposed free trade agreement is expected to rank among the biggest in the world if it is finalized within the year. Von der Leyen emphasized during talks that a fair and ambitious trade agreement would enable both parties to make use of their complementary advantages, India’s large customer base and Europe’s technical superiority to promote long-term prosperity.
Furthermore, it was noted that future talks should focus on India’s strict tariff system, which is often seen as a trade impediment. Both parties agreed that readjusting these tariffs might result in more bilateral commerce and deeper integration of global value chains, even if New Delhi’s protectionist policies are intended to defend home businesses. It is anticipated that the visit’s joint Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting will provide a forum for coordinating policy on cutting-edge technologies including semiconductors, AI, and quantum computing.
Defence and Security Partnership
Beyond economics, the visit’s main tenet was military cooperation. Von der Leyen said that, based on existing agreements with South Korea and Japan, the EU is investigating a security and military collaboration with India. Shared worries about regional stability, especially in the Indo-Pacific, where China’s aggression is still changing strategic dynamics, are the driving force behind this project. A stronger military partnership may act as a check on Beijing’s expanding power as the EU and India work to reduce the danger of imports from China.
It addressed potential areas of cooperation from technology transfers to joint military exercises and coordinated defense innovation research. One tangible move in these directions is India’s potential participation in EU-led defence industry projects carried out within the ambit of Permanent Structured Cooperation. Beyond enhancing communication between Indian and European forces, these steps further a broader vision of a multipolar security architecture in which democracies can cooperate against common threats.
Implications in the Context of U.S.–India Ties
Von der Leyen’s visit has implications for the already deepening U.S.–India partnership. The EU aims to strengthen ties with India on the trade and defence fronts, especially as a counterweight to China and has shown its eagerness to secure itself as an equally dependable partner for India in contrast to the US. Although the U.S. has made extensive bilateral advances with India across technologies, defence and economic issues, the EU’s engagement seeks to supplement and reinforce these endeavours and offer India multiple choices, thus mitigating its dependence on any one great power.
This multilateral strategy is essential in. the current geopolitical landscape. While India navigates its relationship with both the U.S. and China, a strong strategic partnership with the EU will help ensure India’s economic and security interests are advanced on the global stage.
Conclusion
In sum, Ursula von der Leyen’s trip to India is a calculated move that demonstrates the EU’s aim to create a more robust, varied, and advantageous alliance than just being a diplomatic formality. The EU and India are well-positioned to develop a strong alliance that can handle today’s geopolitical problems and complement the growing U.S.-India partnership for the benefit of all nations by settling long-standing trade disputes and strengthening military cooperation.
References:
- “India and EU agree to conclude a long-pending free trade agreement by the end of this year”, February 2025. apnews.com
- “EU and India target trade deal this year”, February 2025. ft.com
- “EU will ask India to cut tariffs on cars, wine to boost ties, reduce reliance on China” – Reuters, February 2025.
- “The great power competition is an opportunity for India amid wars: EU president Ursula von der Leyen” – The Economic Times, March 2025. m.economictimes.com
- “EU–India relations: Time for a new boost?” – European Parliamentary Research Service, February 2025. europarl.europa.eu
- “Why the EU is reaching out to India in search of new friends” – Financial Times, February 2025. ft.com
Shashank is a Master’s student in Diplomacy, Law, and Business at O.P. Jindal Global University. He is also a researcher and coordinator at the Center for Global South and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies. His research interests include Southeast Asia, Chinese foreign policy, India’s Act East Policy, and global security dynamics. Views expressed are the author’s own.
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