The European Union is considering an agreement with India on security and defense cooperation, said president of the Ursula von der Leyen commission during a visit to New Delhi. The two parties also wish to conclude a free trade agreement by the end of 2025.
“We asked our teams to work to conclude a mutually beneficial free trade agreement by the end of this year,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday.
The EU is the largest trading partner in India, and trade has tripled in the past two decades, said Von Der Leyen during the joint press briefing. However, there are many opportunities to facilitate additional trade.
In particular, the EU asks that the Indian market be open to its cars and alcohol, while India wishes to sell its textiles and drugs more easily in Europe. India also wants Brussels to deliver more visas to its nationals. Negotiations on an agreement were relaunched in 2022 but blocked.
Stronger relations
With the return of Donald Trump as an American president and the imminent tariff war, tensions with China and sanctions against Russia push the EU to establish stronger relations with other business partners in the world.
Von der Leyen arrived in India on Thursday for a two -day visit. The objective is to strengthen the links between Europe and India, the largest country in the world by the population. A partnership for security, technology and defense is also taken into account.
“This will help us to intensify our work to counter common threats, whether on cross -border terrorism, maritime security threats, cyber attacks or the new phenomenon we see: attacks against our critical infrastructure,” said Von Der Leyen in a speech.
Stability and prosperity
India has traditionally been an ally of Russia, which explains most weapon deliveries. Military cooperation with the EU could focus on sectors such as cybersecurity, space or drones, in which India and Europe share technology and expertise.
“It is not only a question of stability in our respective regions,” she said. “But it is also a key element to strengthen our economic security and ultimately our prosperity. And that is why security should be part of our new strategic partnership with India. »»
The EU has signed similar agreements with Japan and South Korea.
Princess Belgium Astrid also visits India this week, carry out a major economic mission. The delegation, including more than 300 representatives of companies and the government, aims to strengthen commercial links.
The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a joint press conference in New Delhi, February 28, 2025 © Photo Money Sharma / AFP
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