EU Intensifies focus on India as Geopolitical landscape Shifts
Brussels, September 17, 2025 – The European Union today unveiled a new strategic approach to deepen relations with India, signaling a meaningful recalibration of its foreign policy in response to growing global economic and political pressures. The move comes after a high-profile visit to India in Febuary by the full college of European Commissioners, led by President Ursula von der Leyen.
The EU views India, the world’s most populous nation and a rapidly expanding economy, as a crucial partner. A newly released strategy document explicitly states: “India, first global democracy and major economy for the fastest growth, is an essential partner for the EU” and emphasizes that “In an increasingly complex geopolitical and geoeconomic habitat, narrower cooperation between the EU and India is more important than ever.”
This renewed focus is partly driven by recent trade dynamics, including an asymmetrical trade agreement with the United States secured under pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Brussels is actively seeking new trade opportunities and economic partnerships, and India, projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, is positioned as a key focus.
Negotiations are underway to finalize a free trade agreement between the EU and India, a process that has spanned two decades. Beyond a comprehensive trade deal, the EU is also proposing a series of targeted agreements covering sectors like new technologies, air transport, sustainable finance, and the defense industry.
