The EU-India renewed strategic partnership marks a pivotal shift amid US isolationism under President Trump and rising Indo-Pacific tensions. This new Fondation Robert Schuman report, written by GPI Associate Director and Head of the Europe Programme, Karine de Vergeron, analyses how the landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Security Partnership bolster mutual stability, trade diversification, and defence ties in a fragmented global order.
Key Highlights
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Geopolitical Pivot: India hedges US unreliability—strained by tariffs, visa fees, and Pakistan overtures—by deepening EU ties, viewing Europe as a key “middle power” alongside Japan.
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Trade Milestone: The January 2026 FTA, set for 2027 implementation, could double EU exports to India by 2032, cutting tariffs on 90% of goods and aiding supply chain shifts from China.
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Defence Boost: New cooperation in maritime security, cyber defence, and procurement addresses India’s arsenal gaps, with France leading via Rafale jets and submarine tech transfers.
Strategic Implications
The partnership positions the EU as an autonomous pole and fostering opportunities in AI, semiconductors, and nuclear energy. It demonstrates Europe’s geopolitical clout through rules-based trade across a quarter of global GDP.