Aim of the TTC
- The EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) is a high-level coordination platform, which will allow the EU and India to tackle strategic challenges at the nexus of trade, trusted technology and security, and to deepen their bilateral relationship in these fields. It should help ensure political commitments are implemented on the ground.
Why is it Needed?
- In a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, the EU and India have a common interest in ensuring security, prosperity and sustainable development based on shared values.
- The TTC will provide the political steer and the necessary structure to coordinate approaches and advance technical work.
- To lay the groundwork, both sides have agreed to work on critical areas such as connectivity, green technologies and resilient supply chains.
Format:
- The TTC will be co-chaired on the EU side by the Executive Vice-Presidents (EVP) of the European Commission in charge of digital technology and trade.
- The TTC will be co-chaired on the Indian side by the Ministers in charge of External Affairs, Commerce & Industry, and Electronics & Information Technology.
- Both sides will invite other Members of the College/Ministers to contribute to TTC meetings depending on the issues discussed. When issues to be discussed at the TTC fall under the competences of the High Representative/Vice-President the HRVP will participate in the relevant meeting.
- Meetings of the TTC will take place at least once a year, with the venue alternating between the EU and India. Meetings of the TTC could take place in person or virtually.
- Ministerial meetings of the TTC will rely on the preparatory work of three working groups:
- Strategic technologies, digital governance and digital connectivity: the group will work jointly on areas of mutual interest such as digital connectivity, Artificial Intelligence, 5G/6G, high performance and quantum computing, semiconductors, cloud systems, cybersecurity, digital skills and digital platforms.
- Green & clean energy technologies: this group will focus on green technologies, including investment and standards, with emphasis on research and innovation. Areas to be explored could be clean energy, circular economy, waste management, plastic and litter in the ocean. It will also foster cooperation between EU and Indian incubators, SMEs and start-ups.
- Trade, investment and resilient value chains: the group will work on the resilience of supply chains and access to critical components, energy, and raw materials. It will also work to resolve identified trade barriers and global trade challenges by promoting cooperation in multilateral fora. It will work towards promotion of international standards and cooperation on addressing global geopolitical challenges.
- Ministerial meetings of the TTC will take place at least once a year, with the venue alternating between the EU and India. As of today, the three working groups are established and will begin their cooperation. The first EU-India ministerial meeting is planned to be held in spring 2023.
Way Forward:
- The partnership with India is one of the most important relationships for the upcoming decade and strengthening this partnership, including through the TTC, is a priority. The cooperation in the TTC should focus on key issues of shared strategic importance, including trade, trusted technology and security, notably in respect of challenges posed by rival governance models. In this context, cooperation on research and innovation are important to unlock potential.
- The EU-India Trade and Technology Council is the second such bilateral forum for the EU and the first one established with any partner for India. It will complement the Digital Partnerships already launched with Asian partners as part of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
