Context: India and the European Union have adopted the India–EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda: “Towards 2030” at the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi, signalling a qualitative upgrade in bilateral relations amid global economic and geopolitical churn.
The “Towards 2030” agenda represents a decisive shift in India–EU relations—from declaratory cooperation to a structured, outcome-oriented strategic partnership. Replacing the earlier Roadmap to 2025, the new framework recognises India and the EU as trusted, predictable and like-minded partners, committed to strengthening strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.
A Five-Pillar Strategic Architecture
1. Prosperity and Sustainability
Economic integration forms the backbone of the agenda. Both sides have prioritised the timely implementation of the concluded India–EU Free Trade Agreement, alongside a separate Investment Protection Agreement to enhance investor confidence.
Cooperation on carbon markets seeks to align India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
In the clean-energy domain, the India–EU Green Hydrogen Task Force aims to harmonise standards, enabling exports of green hydrogen and ammonia to Europe.
2. Technology and Innovation
Technology cooperation is institutionalised through the Trade and Technology Council (TTC), focusing on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and digital governance.
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure—Aadhaar, UPI and DigiLocker—will be aligned with European digital standards to facilitate cross-border interoperability.
India has also initiated exploratory talks to associate with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research programme, expanding access to global R&D funding. The Blue Valleys initiative further links European capital with Indian clean-energy manufacturing clusters.
3. Security and Defence
The agenda operationalises the India–EU Security and Defence Partnership, expanding military-to-military engagement and defence dialogue.
Both sides reaffirm commitment to a rules-based international order and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.
Dedicated dialogues on cybersecurity, space security and maritime cooperation reflect convergence on emerging and non-traditional security challenges.
4. Connectivity and Global Issues
Connectivity cooperation gains strategic depth through renewed commitment to the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), offering an alternative to China-led connectivity models.
India’s regional infrastructure projects will align with the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, promoting sustainable financing. Joint infrastructure projects in third countries, especially Africa, underline shared development priorities.
5. People-to-People Enablers
The agenda strengthens societal links through a Comprehensive Framework on Mobility, easing visa norms for Indian students and skilled professionals.
The EU’s move towards Schengen visa digitalisation is expected to simplify travel for Indians. Regular parliamentary exchanges and a structured Human Rights Dialogue institutionalise long-term engagement and trust.
Strategic Significance
The Towards 2030 agenda positions India–EU relations as a cornerstone of a diversified global order. For India, it unlocks trade, technology and climate finance while reinforcing strategic autonomy.
For the EU, India emerges as a reliable partner in supply-chain resilience, Indo-Pacific stability and sustainable growth.
By embedding timelines, institutional mechanisms and sectoral convergence, the agenda transforms intent into action—marking a mature phase in India–EU strategic cooperation.