EU–India Relations: Rising from the Shadow of Great Power Competition?
- hoffmann58
- 22 hours ago
- 1 min read
“EU–India Relations: Rising from the Shadow of Great Power Competition?”
The briefing is on the January EU–India summit, which examines how the renewed momentum on the EU–India FTA, the new Security and Defence Partnership, and closer cooperation on technology, supply chains, and climate policy will shape our medium‑term opportunities and regulatory risks in India and the wider Indo‑Pacific.
Executive Summary
From drift to structured cooperation: The January 2026 EU–India summit has strengthened bilateral ties, driven by shared concerns over supply chains, technology governance, and strategic autonomy rather than common threat perceptions.
Geopolitics without alliance: The partnership reflects India’s multi-alignment and the EU’s search for relevance in the Indo-Pacific and Global South, stopping short of formal alliance while reshaping Europe’s external balancing.
Geoeconomics as the driver: Momentum on an EU–India FTA and connectivity has made economic statecraft the relationship’s strongest pillar, despite persistent regulatory frictions and the absence of a signed deal.