India and the European Union (EU) share a broad-based and steadily expanding partnership rooted in common values such as democracy, rule of law, multilateralism and a rules-based international order. Over the decades, the relationship has evolved into a multifaceted engagement covering trade, investment, climate change, clean energy, science and technology, digital cooperation, connectivity, agriculture, security and people-to-people ties.
India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the European Economic Community in 1962. The signing of a Joint Political Statement in 1993 and a Cooperation Agreement in 1994 laid the foundation for structured engagement. A major milestone was reached in June 2000 with the first India-EU Summit in Lisbon, leading to the establishment of a regular summit-level dialogue. The partnership was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2004 at The Hague. Since then, 15 India-EU Summits have been held.
High-level political engagement remains frequent. Following the European Parliamentary elections in June 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. He also held a telephonic conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa in January 2025. Over the years, PM Modi has interacted regularly with EU leadership at G20, G7 and COP summits.
The partnership is guided by the “India-EU Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025”, adopted in July 2020. In May 2021, both sides announced the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive free trade and investment agreement, along with talks on Geographical Indications. They also launched the ambitious India–EU Connectivity Partnership.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid an official visit to India in April 2022, during which the two sides announced the establishment of the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The TTC serves as a key coordination mechanism on trade, trusted technology and security, and met in Brussels in May 2023.
Ministerial-level engagement is regular and wide-ranging. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has held multiple interactions with EU High Representatives and Commissioners across global forums. Commerce and Industry Minister visited Brussels in January 2025 for discussions with the European Commissioner for Trade. Several EU Commissioners have visited India in recent years, covering sectors such as agriculture, energy, climate action, social rights, economy and international partnerships.
Parliamentary exchanges also form an important pillar of the partnership. Delegations from the European Parliament have visited India regularly, including participation in the 15th India-EU Inter-Parliamentary Meeting and the P20 Summit hosted by India in October 2023.
Economic ties form a central pillar of India-EU relations. In FY 2024-25, bilateral trade in goods stood at USD 136 billion, making the EU India’s largest trading partner in goods. Trade in services reached a record €37 billion in 2024. EU investments in India exceed USD 117 billion, with around 6,000 European companies operating in the country, while Indian investments in the EU are valued at about USD 40 billion.
India and the EU maintain an extensive institutional dialogue architecture at secretary and senior official levels, covering foreign policy, security, defence, maritime cooperation, cyber security, counterterrorism, energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, and emerging technologies. Several of these dialogues are now coordinated under the TTC framework.
Security and defence cooperation has also expanded, with joint naval exercises conducted in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Guinea and cooperation with the EU Naval Force (Operation Atalanta). The EU joined India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative in 2023 and became a dialogue partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association the same year.
Climate action and clean energy cooperation are key areas of engagement. The India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership focuses on renewable energy, energy efficiency, green hydrogen, offshore wind and methane emission reduction. The EU is a partner in the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Connectivity is another major focus, with cooperation spanning transport, digital networks, energy and people-to-people exchanges. In September 2023, India, the EU and several partner countries announced plans to develop the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor.
Cooperation also extends to water management, science and technology, nuclear energy, space, migration and mobility. India and the EU collaborate on advanced research, space missions, nuclear fusion projects and academic exchanges, reflecting the growing depth and diversity of the partnership.
Overall, India-EU relations have evolved into a comprehensive and forward-looking partnership, anchored in shared values and expanding cooperation across strategic, economic and technological domains, with both sides positioning the relationship as a key pillar of their global engagement.
