India and EU Review Strategic Partnership, Focus on FTA, Critical Technologies and Connectivity
- IBEF
- November 10, 2026
India and the European Union (EU) reviewed their strategic partnership at the 7th India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting (SPRM), held in New Delhi on November 9, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Mr. Matti Maasikas, Deputy Secretary General for Geoeconomics and Interinstitutional Issues, European External Action Service. Both sides reviewed the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda adopted at the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi on January 27, 2026. On trade and investment, they discussed the timely signing and implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and agreed to continue working towards the conclusion of an Investment Protection Agreement and an Agreement on Geographical Indications. Discussions on supply chains and economic security covered strategic engagement under the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and the Blue Valleys initiative.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the clean energy transition and discussed the listing of Indian ship recycling yards that comply with the EU Ship Recycling Regulation as approved facilities. Cooperation in critical and emerging technologies was also reviewed, covering artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, digital public infrastructure, advanced semiconductors, clean technology and biotechnology. They welcomed the expansion of research collaboration, including the possibility of India's association with Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation programme. On connectivity, the two sides underlined the importance of the Global Gateway and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), alongside trilateral projects in clean energy, climate resilience, green mobility and digitalisation. The meeting also reviewed talent mobility, education and skills development. Both sides agreed to hold the 8th SPRM in Brussels in 2027.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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