India-EU Partnership: In the middle of turbulence, a stabilization force

The partnership between India and the European Union (EU) gains importance as a stabilization force in the emerging multipolar world. The visit of the Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar to Brussels this week has been part of an effort to consolidate the new possibilities triggered by the growing convergence of interests and the evolution of international circumstances. The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Cyprus strengthens the new Indian engagement in Europe. The turbulence of the second presidential term of Donald Trump – marked by protectionism and skepticism towards alliances and partnerships – pushed Delhi and Brussels to cover themselves against American unpredictability and to maintain an international order based on the rules. This does not suggest that Delhi and Brussels will move away from Washington. On the contrary, the United States remains the most important economic and strategic partner for India and Europe. The two parties will do their best to preserve the essence of this relationship; But they also naturally seek to deepen other partnerships.

Last year and more experienced greater momentum in bilateral relations. A complete free trade agreement (ALE), targeted for conclusion by the end of 2025, is at the heart of joint efforts to diversify supply chains and promote sustainable growth. After years of downside, Delhi and Brussels now report an unprecedented emergency to conclude the trade agreement. Connectivity projects such as the Economic Corridor of Europe India-Middle-Europe (IMEC) illustrate the ambition to reshape regional links and create new innovation engines. Cooperation in advanced technologies and the exploration of new possibilities for industrial collaboration in defense are also leading the current agenda.

There is delicate waters to negotiate. Russia remains a sensitive factor in India-EU relations. While India maintains long -standing defense links with Moscow and has refrained from criticizing the Russian war in Ukraine, Europe is at the end of Russia’s ambitions to reorganize the regional order. However, India and the EU prioritize pragmatic commitment to ideological arguments. Brussels has avoided putting pressure on India for its Russian policy, focusing on trade, technology and shared concerns about China. Pakistan has inevitably appeared in Jaishankar talks in Brussels, thanks to the post-Pahalgam conflict. While the EU advocates peace and dialogue in South Asia, it also recognizes India’s law to self -defense and has condemned cross -border terrorism. Neither India nor the EU wish to let the Pakistani factor derail the new possibilities of creating a bilateral strategic partnership. The India-UE partnership becomes a central axis in the construction of a multipolar world. It is not only a tactical coverage, but a strategic alignment based on shared economic interests, democratic values ​​and the pursuit of increased national security.