The European Union is preparing to move forward with a broad security, defence and trade partnership with India, with important agreements expected to be finalised during an upcoming high-level visit by European leaders. The development signals a stronger political, economic and security relationship between India and the EU.

Addressing the European Parliament, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that the European Union has agreed to proceed with a new EU-India Security and Defence Partnership. This partnership is expected to be signed during the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi next week. According to her statement, the partnership will focus on expanding cooperation in key areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism and cyber defence.

The summit, scheduled to take place on January 27, is also expected to adopt a new EU-India comprehensive strategic agenda. This agenda aims to deepen political, economic and security ties between India and the European Union. The initiative reflects the shared intention of both sides to strengthen their long-term partnership.

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the progress of the Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union. She said that the EU is close to finalising the agreement with India and described it as potentially “the mother of all deals.” Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, she highlighted the scale and importance of the proposed agreement. According to her, the deal could create a market of nearly two billion people and represent almost a quarter of global GDP.

She said, “There is still work to do. But we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement.” Through this statement, she underlined Europe’s intention to expand trade and international cooperation, especially with India.

European Council President Antonio Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are scheduled to visit India from January 25 to 27 on a three-day state visit as Chief Guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations. They will also co-chair the India-EU Summit, meet President Droupadi Murmu, and hold both restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Alongside the summit, an India-EU Business Forum is also expected to be organised. The forum is likely to bring together business leaders and stakeholders from both sides to discuss opportunities for cooperation and growth.

India and the European Union have been strategic partners since 2004. Over the years, the partnership has expanded across multiple areas, including politics, economy and security. The previous India-EU Summit was held virtually in July 2020.

Officials from both India and the European Union view the upcoming visit as an important step toward strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership. The visit is considered particularly significant in the context of ongoing negotiations on the long-pending Free Trade Agreement, which are now at an advanced stage.

The expected signing of the Security and Defence Partnership, the progress toward a Free Trade Agreement, and the adoption of a new comprehensive strategic agenda together mark a major phase in India-EU relations. The developments highlight the shared commitment of both sides to deepen cooperation and build a stronger partnership in the coming years.