How are global alliances changing? - EU aims to strengthen partnership with India, after tensions with Trump
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen began her two-day visit to India, accompanied by all the top leaders of the European Union's executive branch.
India and the European Union already cooperate closely on issues such as foreign policy, defense and technology development. Brussels is stepping up efforts to finalize a long-delayed free trade agreement with the world's most populous country.
The Indian Foreign Ministry says the visit will pave the way for "strengthening the bilateral partnership based on growing convergences."
Both sides hope to increase cooperation in digital innovation and sustainable technology areas with the meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, a bilateral body composed of the bloc's elected commissioners and Indian ministers.
EU tries to 'diversify partnerships'
Foreign policy experts and diplomats say the European Union is currently keen to reduce its dependence on traditional allies like the United States, while still being wary of China.
"The visit comes at a critical moment as Europe navigates a shaky transatlantic alliance and a divisive Trump presidency. It also comes amid ongoing concerns from China and Russia," analysts say.
"This disruptive behavior of the great powers that gave the bloc security, goods and free energy, is pushing the EU to actively diversify its partnerships, and India has emerged as a natural partner," they added.
Trade agreement, still undecided
India and the EU are trying to accelerate a free trade agreement and boost cooperation in clean technology.
Germany and India are seeking stronger economic ties in talks in Delhi. But numerous issues surrounding the trade deal, including market access for products such as cars and alcoholic beverages, are still causing problems.
There are also differences on intellectual property protection, particularly India's insistence that investors exhaust local remedies in the country before seeking international arbitration. The next round of negotiations will take place in March.
Response to China
European researchers say expanding ties with the EU goes beyond a free trade agreement. "Even if a trade deal remains elusive, the current global geopolitical fragmentation offers new opportunities for cooperation for the world's two largest democracies, in areas such as technology and connectivity," they point out.
India has engaged extensively with major European powers on a bilateral basis, but analysts underline the importance of boosting relations with the EU as a bloc.
Both sides are actively exploring new avenues through initiatives such as the Trade and Technology Council and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which aims to boost traffic and communication between Europe and Asia. The corridor is often described as a response to China's ambitious, multi-billion dollar "Belt and Road" program.
According to analysts, India's engagement with the EU has expanded beyond its traditional focus on core states, forging new ties with the Nordics, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean region.
The EU wants to avoid taking risks with China
However, ties between New Delhi and Brussels are not yet fully optimized. While working with the US and the EU, India also boasts strong ties with Russia.
The EU remains critical of India's position on the war in Ukraine. India, on the other hand, considers the bloc's carbon tax mechanism and deforestation legislation to be unfair.
Despite these differences, both India and the European Union have a strategic partnership that touches on issues such as security, climate change and sustainable development. India is also not immune to the current geopolitical tensions emanating from the US. The country is assessing its response to the Trump administration's unilateral actions on tariffs and immigration.
Trump's trade wars: What lies ahead for India and the world?
The visit by Ursula von der Leyen and other senior EU officials presents a chance for "serious dialogue" on a range of issues. These include "trade, green technology, education, health, artificial intelligence, expanding defense ties, the Indo-Pacific and de-risking China, especially for Europe."
New geopolitical alignment?
Over 6,000 European companies are present in India and trade in goods has grown by almost 90% over the past decade. According to the European Commission, the EU as a whole is now India's largest trading partner, ahead of the US and China. In 2023, exports and imports to the European bloc accounted for €124 billion, or 12.2% of total Indian trade.
This visit marks a historic moment in EU-India relations, because it reflects a mutual recognition of each other's growing global authority and a push to translate it into action, whether through trade, technology agreements, or a stronger geopolitical outreach," analysts explain.
"In a world that promises to be so volatile and uncertain, a stronger India-EU relationship could be an important stabilizing factor," they add.
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