India-EU Partnership Gets A Tech Boost Ahead Of Landmark Trade Agreement

India and the European Union (EU) have agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, advanced technologies, research and clean energy ahead of the proposed landmark free trade agreement (FTA), expected to be signed next month.

The discussions took place during the seventh India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting (SPRM) held in New Delhi on November 9. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and delivering mutually beneficial outcomes across several strategic sectors.

India and the 27-member EU are preparing to conclude the proposed FTA, which is expected to create a combined market of approximately two billion people. The agreement is being described as the "mother of all deals" because of its potential to expand trade and investment opportunities. Both sides also agreed to continue working towards concluding separate agreements on investment protection and geographical indications (GI).

Technology cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides exploring opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, advanced semiconductors, biotechnology, cybersecurity and clean technologies. They also reviewed cooperation through the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), established in 2022 to facilitate collaboration in critical technologies and strengthen supply chains and economic security.

The two sides expressed satisfaction over expanding research collaboration, including India's potential association with Horizon Europe, the EU's €93.5-billion research and innovation programme. They also discussed promoting digital public infrastructure and developing a supportive digital environment.

Both sides renewed their commitment to the clean energy transition and discussed including Indian ship recycling facilities that comply with EU regulations in the bloc's approved list.

The meeting was co-chaired by Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Matti Maasikas, Deputy Secretary General for Geoeconomics and Interinstitutional Issues at the European External Action Service.