India and the European Union (EU) on Monday reviewed the progress of their strategic partnership, with discussions focusing on the timely signing and implementation of the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), investment cooperation, critical and emerging technologies, clean energy transition and connectivity initiatives.
The 7th India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting (SPRM) was held in New Delhi on November 9. It was co-chaired by Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Matti Maasikas, Deputy Secretary General for Geoeconomics and Interinstitutional Issues of the European External Action Service.
Both sides welcomed the positive momentum in India-EU relations and reviewed the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda adopted at the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi on January 27, 2026.
On trade and investment, the two sides discussed efforts to advance the timely signing and implementation of the India-EU FTA. They also agreed to continue working towards the conclusion of the Investment Protection Agreement and the Agreement on Geographical Indications.
Strengthening supply chains and economic security also featured in the discussions, including strategic engagements under the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and the Blue Valleys initiative.
The two sides renewed their commitment to advancing the clean energy transition and reviewed ongoing cooperation in this area. They also discussed efforts to include Indian ship recycling yards that comply with the European Union’s Ship Recycling Regulation in its list of approved ship recycling facilities.
Cooperation in critical and emerging technologies was another key area of discussion. The talks covered artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, digital public infrastructure, advanced semiconductors, clean technology and biotechnology. Both sides also explored ways to promote a conducive digital environment and deepen cooperation in digital public infrastructure.
India and the EU expressed satisfaction over expanding research collaboration, including the possibility of India’s association with Horizon Europe, the European Union’s research and innovation programme.
On connectivity, the two sides underscored the importance of strengthening their partnership through initiatives such as the Global Gateway and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). They also discussed trilateral projects in clean energy, climate resilience, green mobility and digitalisation, along with greater coordination to shape effective global governance.
The meeting also reviewed ways to expand people-to-people contacts, particularly in talent mobility, education and skills development. Both sides exchanged updates on the European Legal Gateway Office and looked forward to the next edition of the India-EU Human Rights Dialogue.
Reaffirming their commitment to deepen the partnership, India and the EU described themselves as trusted, predictable and like-minded partners and expressed their resolve to pursue mutually beneficial and transformative outcomes.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to review preparations for future engagements at the leaders’ level. Both sides agreed to hold the 8th Strategic Partnership Review Meeting in Brussels next year, on a mutually convenient date.
(MEA)
