India and Europe must build a deeper strategic partnership

Source: The post India and Europe must build a deeper strategic partnership has been created, based on the article “The importance of India and Europe walking in step” published in “The Hindu” on 15th July 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: Amid global uncertainty and shifting power equations, the India-Europe relationship emerges as a strategic opportunity. Driven by evolving global alliances and internal transformations in both regions, leaders on both sides are reimagining ties, highlighting the potential for a meaningful and long-term partnership rooted in mutual interests and shared democratic values. India and Europe must build a deeper strategic partnership

For detailed information on India must respond to the changing UK EU ties read this article here

A Shifting Global Order and Strategic Recalibration

1. Fractures in Transatlantic Leadership: Europe faces uncertainty as U.S. leadership, particularly under Donald Trump, weakens traditional alliances like NATO. Disunity within the G-7 and America’s transactional approach have pushed European nations to reconsider their global strategies.
2. Europe’s Internal Reorientation: Countries like Canada, the U.K., and Germany are recalibrating their foreign policies. Europe aspires to be a standalone power, embracing strategic autonomy, boosting defence spending, and asserting influence in Central Europe.
3. India’s Assertive Multi-Alignment: India is transitioning from traditional non-alignment to a flexible strategy of multi-alignment. Both India and Europe now seek a multipolar world order rooted in international law and plural values, countering bipolarity between the U.S. and China.

Expanding Institutional and Bilateral Engagement

1. EU-India Institutional Dialogue: India and the EU are broadening their collaboration in areas like trade, security, climate change, and technology. The relationship now extends beyond rhetoric to tangible institutional mechanisms.
2. Growing Bilateral Ties with Member States: India’s strategic ties with France, Germany, Italy, and Eastern European nations are deepening. These relationships support a more decentralised but robust European engagement.
3. Common Vision for a Rules-Based Order: India and Europe, as middle powers, champion global stability through coalitions and multilateralism, not coercion. Their joint stance in the WTO, UN, and AI governance forums reflects this commitment.

Economic and Technological Synergies

1. Rapid Growth in Trade and Investment: Between 2015 and 2022, EU investment in India rose 70%, with French investment growing by 373%. EU imports from India have doubled in just three years, showcasing India’s rising economic pull.
2. Trade Agreements and Green Sensitivities: The India-EU Trade and Investment Agreements must be expedited. Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism should consider India’s developmental and green transition needs.
3. Collaborations in Technology and Innovation: India and Europe envision digital architecture as a global public good. Their strengths in semiconductors, digital platforms, biotech, and clean energy can foster innovation-driven partnerships.

Strategic, Defence, and Security Cooperation

1. Defence Co-Development and Self-Reliance: Europe remains a key arms supplier for India. Initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Europe’s ReArm 2025 open pathways for defence co-production and tech transfer.
2. Tackling Terrorism and Maritime Security: Joint efforts in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, and space cooperation can build trust. Europe must adopt a stronger stance on Pakistan’s role in fostering extremism.
3. People-to-People and Talent Mobility: A mobility pact for students, researchers, and professionals is essential. It will boost innovation, address Indian unemployment, and support cross-border knowledge exchange.

Building Mutual Trust and Public Perception

1. Aligning Sentiments with Strategy: Diplomatic success depends on shaping public opinion and media narratives. Europe must shed its dated views of India, while India must grasp Europe’s complex transitions.
2. Recent Diplomatic Milestones: Symbolic gestures like the Raisina Dialogue in Marseille and high-level visits, including the EU Commission President’s trip to Delhi, are helping reshape mutual perceptions.
3. A Partnership of Conviction: India and Europe must now act with intent, guided not by convenience but by shared values. This partnership can be a model for a more inclusive, stable, and equitable world.

Question for practice:

Examine how the evolving geopolitical landscape is shaping a deeper strategic, economic, and technological partnership between India and Europe.