European Council Approves ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’

On 20th October 2025, the European Council approved conclusions on the ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’ announced earlier by the European Commission, marking a major step towards strengthening cooperation between the European Union (EU) and India.

Key Points

Deepening Bilateral Relations: The Council welcomed the strong impetus provided by the new agenda to strengthen EU-India cooperation across prosperity, sustainability, technology, innovation, security, defence, and connectivity.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Both sides aim to finalise a balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial FTA by the end of 2025.
Security and Defence Partnership: The Council emphasised the importance of closer cooperation on security and defence based on mutual trust and respect, with plans to establish a formal partnership facilitating defence industrial collaboration.
Geopolitical Engagement: The EU reaffirmed its commitment to continue engagement with India on issues related to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and stressed their shared responsibility to uphold multilateralism and a rules-based international order under the UN Charter.
Support for Multilateral Trade: Both sides reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the multilateral trading system, especially through the World Trade Organisation (WTO), to ensure global economic stability.
Commitment to Democratic Values: The agenda reinforces joint efforts to promote and protect democratic values, international law, and human rights, including the rights of women and children.