A high-level European Union delegation, led by Ms. Ekaterina Zaharieva, recently met with India’s Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, focusing on transformative partnerships aimed at bolstering startup innovation and research collaborations. This meeting marks another significant step forward, reinforcing the longstanding cooperation between India and the EU, particularly within the realms of science and technology.
Dr. Singh emphasized during the discussions how the foundations of this partnership were laid decades ago with the signing of the India-EU Science and Technology Agreement, first established in 2001, and renewed multiple times since. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s instrumental role in transforming India’s scientific research dynamic, stating, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been instrumental in making India a hub of cutting-edge research, fostering innovation, and driving transformative initiatives across various scientific domains." This sentiment frames the growing collaborative spirit between India and the EU.
Central to the conversation were key areas poised for potential collaboration: water resource management, clean energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and healthcare—especially vaccine development and pandemic preparedness. Dr. Singh announced India's commitment to joint research initiatives, detailing projects funded with €20.92 million addressing issues ranging from environmental challenges and public health to AI advancements.
Illustrative projects include the development of alternative wastewater treatment technologies under the PAVITRA GANGA initiative, enhanced influenza vaccine capabilities through the ENDFLU project, and significant efforts to tackle tuberculosis with RUTI® vaccine trials. Such projects not only reflect the depth of India-EU collaboration but also highlight India's proactive contributions to pressing global challenges.
The discussions also extended to ocean and climate studies, with Dr. Singh underscoring the importance of global cooperation to effectively address pressing oceanic and ecological challenges. Specifically noted were the urgent issues such as ocean warming, deoxygenation, and acidification. With this background, India aims to lead innovative research and joint projects related to the polar regions and climate change.
On the technology front, Dr. Singh pointed out promising areas for collaboration like quantum research, bioeconomy growth, and advancements in renewable energy technologies like green hydrogen. India’s advancements paired with the EU’s expertise create fertile ground for transformative innovations, especially as both parties work toward ambitious climate targets, particularly concerning offshore wind and solar energy initiatives.
Meanwhile, the strategic discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen centered around the broader involvement of the EU in India, particularly concerning defense and security cooperation within the Indo-Pacific. The partnership aims to promote transparency and uphold rules-based international order, addressing concerns about regional stability. This visit is part of efforts to formalize defense cooperation and bilateral ties, with the EU engaging more extensively by appointing military advisers and supporting initiatives like the Enhancing Security Cooperation in Asia program.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of continued support for one another, reflecting their shared commitment to enhancing collaboration across multiple sectors, and particularly focusing on technology areas such as AI and green energy. The anticipated outcome of these discussions included setting the stage for the India-EU summit, slated for later this year, potentially yielding significant agreements. Despite no major pacts anticipated to be signed during this visit, the exchange built momentum toward enhancing cooperation.
On another front, the economic discussions have reignited focus on the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), amid challenges posed by the forthcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) slated to take effect in 2026. Experts from the Global Trade Research Initiative noted the need for protective provisions within this agreement. They warn the mechanism could impose unsustainable costs on Indian exports due to carbon taxes levied against carbon-intensive sectors. Ajay Srivastava, GTRI’s founder, emphasized, "Since CBAM imposes tariffs based on production methods, it violates WTO rules, and India must push for protective language to mitigate such impacts."
This cautionary perspective arrived just as von der Leyen's delegation began significant discussions on the FTA; both sides concluded nine rounds of negotiations since resuming talks after years of stagnation. The next round is set for March, and anticipations are high as government officials outline goals for boosting bilateral trade, which reached significant figures—€124 billion across goods and €51.45 billion across services by 2023.
The bilateral relationship between India and the EU is positioned to grow, with the existing trade framework providing opportunities for smoother negotiations. Prime Minister Modi and von der Leyen’s engagement reinforces their shared vision on numerous fronts, indicating their mutual desire to navigate recent geopolitical shifts and economic constraints. Both leaders plan to increase efforts to bolster comprehensive cooperation, tackling topics from technological advancements to defense frameworks.
These developments collectively underline the progressive relationship shaping between India and the EU. Both regions are not only advancing their economic and technological ties but also demonstrating differentiated approaches to regional security, sustainable development, and joint research initiatives. The collaborative efforts encapsulate their mutual commitment to not only strengthen their alliance but also address pressing global challenges as they arise.
Looking forward, it is clear both India and the EU are on the brink of fostering significant pathways for innovation, sustainability, and mutual growth. The commitment to comprehensive collaboration and strategic partnerships suggests the dawn of new opportunities for both regions, setting the stage for future accomplishments.