Europe Looks to India with Renewed Hope: Five Key Factors Driving the 27-Nation Bloc Closer to New Delhi

A visible shift is underway in Europe’s global outlook, with the 27-member European Union (EU) increasingly turning towards India as a strategic partner of choice. Disillusionment with the United States’ recent postures—particularly attempts to assert control over Greenland and former President Donald Trump’s dismissive rhetoric towards Europe—has left EU leaders reassessing their alliances. In this changing geopolitical landscape, India has emerged as a reliable, indispensable partner.

Strengthening ties with India is no longer merely a diplomatic preference for Europe; it has become a strategic necessity. While India’s rapidly growing economy remains the central attraction, several other compelling factors have pushed Europe decisively closer to New Delhi.

This renewed momentum comes at a crucial time. With the India–US Free Trade Agreement still in limbo, both New Delhi and Brussels are keen to accelerate negotiations on the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Signaling intent, India has invited top EU leaders as chief guests for the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, followed by the 16th India–EU Summit on January 27—an engagement widely seen as historic.

The Five Key Reasons Bringing Europe Closer to India

1. Revival of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement
Both sides are determined to conclude negotiations on the stalled FTA. Once finalized, the agreement is expected to open markets, remove trade barriers, and significantly boost bilateral commerce.

2. Strengthening Critical Supply Chains
The proposed deal aims to reinforce supply chains in strategic sectors such as clean technology, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors—areas where Europe is seeking to reduce overdependence on limited global suppliers.

3. Addressing Global Supply Disruptions and Geopolitical Tensions
India and the EU are set to intensify dialogue on global supply chain disruptions and rising geopolitical uncertainties, making cooperation essential for economic resilience and strategic stability.

4. Enhanced Security and Defence Cooperation
The partnership is expected to expand in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and cyber defence. Talks are also likely to begin on an information security agreement, reflecting growing trust between the two sides.

5. Mobility, Talent, and Innovation Partnership
India and the EU plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on a comprehensive mobility framework. This will ease the movement of seasonal workers, students, researchers, and highly skilled professionals, while also boosting collaboration in research and innovation.

Europe’s Growing Dependence on India

Recently, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, while addressing the European Parliament, underlined India’s rising importance to Europe’s economic strength. She indicated that the EU is fully prepared to deepen cooperation with India across trade, security, and technology, stressing that stronger bilateral relations are now imperative.

Two Democracies at a Critical Juncture

Ahead of the upcoming summit in India, Kallas remarked that India and the EU are drawing closer at a time when the rules-based international order is under unprecedented strain due to wars, coercion, and economic fragmentation. “Two major democracies can no longer afford hesitation,” she said, highlighting the urgency of decisive collaboration.

As global power equations evolve, Europe’s outreach to India reflects a broader realignment—one that places shared democratic values, economic complementarities, and strategic trust at the heart of a deepening partnership.