India-EU Nexus Soars in Trade and Security

India has been instrumental in nurturing the India-EU relationship since the 1960s, elevating it to a 'Strategic Partnership' in 2004, emphasising collaboration beyond trade. As the EU's 9th largest trading partner in 2014, India significantly contributed to the economic domain. During its G20 presidency, India enhanced collaboration with the EU on shared priorities like sustainable development, climate change, economic partnership, and multilateral institution reform.

A notable diplomatic development occurred with a delegation of European Parliament Members visiting India from December 18 to 20, 2023. Comprising MEPs from Delegation for Relations with India (D-IN) led by Member of the European Parliament Mr. Morten Lokkegaard and the Sub-Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) led by Member of the European Parliament Ms. Nathalie Loiseau, engaged in high-level meetings to strengthen India-EU relations. Their discussions with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar covered key issues such as geopolitical concerns, supply chain security, and digital sensitivities. Both delegations also met with Shri Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha to explore opportunities for strengthened parliamentary exchange. The D-IN delegation, led by Mr. Lokkegaard, discussed progress on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement with Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, while the SEDE delegation focused on security cooperation and explored synergy in the defence industry during their meetings with key institutions.

India's active role in fostering the India-EU relationship underscores a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, evident in recent diplomatic engagements with the European Parliament.