Context

• The year 2024, marked by critical elections worldwide, set the stage for 2025 to become a pivotal moment for democracies to regroup and strengthen their alliances.
• Among these, the relationship between Europe and India stands out as an essential partnership that has long been rich in strategies but poor in tangible outcomes.
• Both entities must seize the opportunity to redefine their collaboration, focusing on practical measures that align economic, technological, and security interests.

The First Step Towards Redefining EU-India Relations

• Moving Beyond Trade Negotiations
  • For nearly two decades, EU-India relations have been primarily defined by the pursuit of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with little progress to show.
  • While such an agreement between the world’s largest democracy and the EU, the largest trading bloc, could be transformative, hurdles persist.
  • The focus must shift from the technicalities of trade negotiations to higher-level strategic priorities.
  • These include economic security, defence cooperation, and partnerships in emerging technology and critical industries like pharmaceuticals and space exploration.
• A Shared Understanding of Geopolitical Realities
  • India's historical ties with Russia and pragmatic engagement with China have often frustrated Europe, especially in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
  • However, India's approach reflects its broader aim to avoid being drawn into the binary division of democratic versus autocratic blocs.
  • While its democratic foundations make its alignment with Moscow and Beijing seem incongruous, Europe must acknowledge its own double standards, particularly its economic reliance on China.
  • A reset in EU-India relations requires a shared understanding of the challenges posed by the Russia-China partnership.
  • Both are strategic threats to the global democratic order, making it imperative for India, Europe, and the United States to align their priorities.
  • Recognising the interconnectedness of events in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, Europe and India must take concrete steps to enhance trade and security while reducing dependence on China.

Some Other Crucial Areas for India-EU Cooperation

• Strengthening Defence and Security
  • India’s strong defence ties with the United States, particularly as a ‘Major Defence Partner’ and member of the Quad, provide a model for Europe.
  • The EU should enhance its own defence collaboration with India, offering advanced technologies and investments in place of Russia’s outdated options.
  • Appointing a dedicated EU Defence Commissioner to engage with India could accelerate progress in this domain.
  • Space exploration is another area of potential cooperation, given the ambitious plans of both the EU and India.
  • By developing joint ventures and shared investments in this field, the partnership can achieve significant breakthroughs, further solidifying their strategic alignment.
• Leveraging Technology Collaboration
  • The establishment of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) mirrors similar initiatives with the United States, such as the U.S.-India Critical and Emerging Technology initiative (iCET).
  • These frameworks are essential for coordinating technology agendas and tackling global challenges, particularly in emerging technologies like quantum computing and advanced biotech.
  • The competition in these sectors is intense, with China leading in 57 of the top 64 emerging technologies, according to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
  • India and Europe, alongside the U.S., must pool resources and expertise to maintain their competitive edge.
  • By focusing on collaborative research and innovation, these democratic partners can position themselves as global leaders in critical technologies. 

The Way Forward to a Robust EU-India Partnership

• Strengthening Economic Ties
  • The economic potential of an EU-India partnership is immense. India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy in the next decade, offering a dynamic market for European businesses seeking growth beyond their borders.
  • Conversely, Europe’s advanced industrial capabilities and access to cutting-edge technology provide India with opportunities to modernise its economy and industries.
  • To facilitate these opportunities, both parties must break down barriers to trade and investment.
  • The EU and India should prioritise sectors with mutual benefits, such as green energy, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation.
• Deepening Cultural and Educational Exchanges
  • Europe and India must enhance cultural, academic, and professional exchanges to build trust and mutual understanding.
  • Programs that promote student and faculty exchanges between European and Indian universities can create a generation of leaders with firsthand knowledge of both regions.
  • Similarly, professional training programs and labour mobility agreements can address skills gaps in Europe while providing employment opportunities for India’s vast pool of talented professionals.
  • Facilitating visa access and streamlining processes for work and study permits will further encourage these exchanges.
• Enhancing Collaboration on Global Challenges
  • The EU and India share common concerns about climate change, public health, and global security, making collaboration on these issues a practical necessity.
  • For example, joint initiatives in renewable energy development can help accelerate the transition to a green economy.
  • Europe’s leadership in clean technologies, coupled with India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, offers a perfect opportunity for collaboration.
  • In public health, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of global partnerships in developing and distributing vaccines.
  • India, as a pharmaceutical manufacturing powerhouse, and Europe, with its strong research and regulatory infrastructure, can work together to improve global health security.
• Creating a Model Partnership
  • The ultimate goal of building practical connections is to create a model partnership that other democracies can emulate.
  • By demonstrating how regions with different historical and cultural contexts can work together effectively, Europe and India can inspire other nations to forge similar alliances.
  • In this effort, both sides must commit to regular engagement at all levels—political, economic, and social.
  • High-level summits, business forums, and cultural festivals should be complemented by grassroots initiatives that connect communities and individuals.
  • This multi-level approach will ensure that the EU-India partnership is not just a strategic alliance but a living, dynamic relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared aspirations.
• Bridging Democratic Challenges
  • Both Europe and India face challenges in maintaining and strengthening their democratic institutions.
  • By working together, they can learn from each other’s experiences and develop strategies to address issues like polarization, misinformation, and the erosion of civil liberties.
  • Forums for democratic dialogue, including joint research initiatives and policy workshops, can create mutual learning and innovation in democratic governance.

Conclusion

• Europe, India, and the United States are individually influential, but their collective power is unparalleled in countering autocratic forces.
• By prioritising strategic cooperation in defence, technology, and economic security, the EU-India partnership can evolve into a cornerstone of global democratic stability.
• This is not just a necessity for these regions but a vital step in shaping a future where democracies lead the way.