India-EU Forum concludes in New Delhi, focuses on trade, security and strategic cooperation

New Delhi (India), February 7 (ANI): The first India-EU Forum concluded on Friday in New Delhi after two days of wide-ranging discussions on strengthening cooperation between India and the European Union in the areas of trade, security, technology and geopolitics.
Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Ananta Centre, the Track 1.5 forum was held from February 6-7 and was attended by over 200 senior policymakers, industry leaders, strategic experts and thought leaders from India and EU member states, the MEA said in an article on X.
According to the MEA, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the inaugural session of the forum on February 6, while Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal participated in a special session on the same day.

Meanwhile, Greek National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias spoke at a special fireside chat on February 7.

“The inaugural edition of the India-EU Forum was organized by MEA in partnership with Ananta Aspen on February 6-7, 2026. EAM S Jaishankar spoke at the inaugural session of the Forum on February 6. CIM Piyush Goyal participated in the Forum in a special session on February 6. Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias spoke at a special fireside chat at the Forum on February 7. The Forum brought together over 200 policy makers, thought leaders and policy practitioners from India and Europe, who deliberated on important areas of cooperation between India and Europe,” the message read.
The discussions took place at an opportune time, following the recent India-EU Summit and the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with participants deliberating on ways to translate strategic convergence into concrete outcomes.
The trade deal was reached during the state visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to India last month.
According to a statement, the closed-door forum was held under the Chatham House rule, allowing frank exchanges on key global and regional challenges.
Discussions covered geopolitical shifts, the potential of the India-EU FTA to boost trade and investment, evolving security and defense challenges, talent mobility, engagement and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in critical and emerging technologies including semiconductors, cybersecurity and digital governance.
Other focus areas include strategic connectivity initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), space cooperation, multi-domain defense, clean energy transition and alignment of strategies in an increasingly multipolar world.
Other senior Indian officials participating in the forum included Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Secretary (Electronics and Information Technology) S Krishnan, Secretary (West) Sibi George and Joint Secretary (Shipping) R Lakshmanan.
European participation included senior leaders and officials, including European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Sikela, who delivered a virtual speech; Polish Secretary of State Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski; former Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg; and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Laimonas Talat-Kelpsa.
Industry leaders from major Indian and European companies in sectors such as defence, energy, infrastructure, technology, fintech and space also participated in the deliberations.
Discussions during the sessions highlighted a shared commitment to elevate the India-EU strategic partnership and deepen collaboration in multiple areas. The second edition of the India-EU Forum is expected to be held in 2027. (ANI)