Bridging Continents: The Future Trajectory of India-EU Relations
Calvin Nixon: Bridging Continents: The Future Trajectory of India-EU Relations. AIES Studies 1/2025.
29.01.2025
The year 2024 marked the return to power of Narendra Modi in India and Ursula von der Leyen in the European Union. While relations between India and the European Union are widely regarded as holding significant potential, these opportunities have yet to be fully realized.
This AIES study seeks to explore how Indo-European relations can be effectively translated into concrete action. After establishing the context about the state of Indian foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the history of Indo-European relations, the study proceeds to examine key opportunities, including the potential for a Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU, the IMEC trade corridor, and expanding security cooperation. The study offers policy recommendations on these issues, advocating for the signing of standalone trade agreements, continued pursuit of the IMEC initiative despite the current tensions in the Middle East, the development of a Security and Defence Partnership between the EU and India, and enhanced collaboration in peacekeeping efforts.