India’s economic and diplomatic relations with Europe should deepen in the coming weeks with two major events aimed at improving bilateral links – the resumption of negotiations of the free trade agreement (ALE) between India and The European Union, and the Belgian economic mission led by Princess Astrid to India.
College of EU Commissioners Visit to New Delhi:
From February 27 to 28, 2025, President Ursula von der Leyen, accompanied by the entire European Commission delegation, will go to New Delhi to strengthen the EU-India partnership. This unprecedented visit aims to advance trade, technology and security cooperation between the two largest democracies in the world. It follows the announcement of a new strategic program for EU-India relations, which will be presented at the next EU-India summit.
According to an official declaration of the EU, during the visit, the European Commission will hold a plenary session with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the main areas of collaboration will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on the promotion of trade, economic security and resilient supply chains, as well as to strengthen cooperation on global trade issues. The second meeting of the EU-India Commerce and Technology Council (TTC) will take place during this visit, with discussions covering clean and green technologies, digital infrastructure and the compatibility of commercial systems.
While the two regions seek to align their strategies on technology and innovation, the main objectives of the TTC will include the increase in digital transitions and meet the challenges linked to global trade. This visit marks a significant step forward in strengthening EU-India relations, in particular in a rapid geopolitical and economic landscape.
FTA speaks between India and the EU
From March 10 to 14, 2025 in Brussels, India and the EU will resume negotiations for a free trade agreement (ALE) which aims to create deeper economic ties between the two regions. These talks will continue from where previous discussions had stopped, in order to finalize an agreement which deals with areas such as digital trade, intellectual property and sustainable development.
In 2023, the EU became the largest trading partner in India, with the trade in goods worth 124 billion. More than 6,000 European companies operate in India, creating millions of jobs and supporting economic growth. The ALE should further strengthen this economic cooperation, improve market access and facilitate investments in both regions.
The visit of the European Commission delegation in India, from February 28, 2025, will play a major role in preparing the way for these negotiations with high issues in March.
Belgian economic mission in India: the emphasis on the key sectors
Adding another layer to the strengthening of economic ties, the Princess Astrid of Belgium will carry out the Belgian economic mission in India from March 2 to 7, 2025. This visit will focus on the increase in economic cooperation between Belgium and India, with The accommodation of New Delhi and Mumbai with the accommodation of New Delhi and Mumbai Trade Seminars and high -level meetings.
The Belgian delegation will have key personalities, notably the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Defense (Head of Foreign Trade) and the Minister-President of Flanders. Besides them, 338 delegates, including 147 Belgian companies, six chamber federations and nine leading educational establishments, will participate in the mission.
The mission will focus on six key sectors: climate and renewable energies, health and life sciences, construction and eco-construction, transport and logistics, space and defense, as well as decarbonization of steel. The program will include a series of trade seminars aimed at exploring collaboration opportunities in these areas, promoting stronger links between Indian and Belgian companies.
Princess Astrid, alongside the Belgian ministers, will also engage with Indian government officials, strengthening the growing commercial relationship between the two countries.
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