India and European Union Advance Major Connectivity Projects in Strategic Partnership Push
In a significant development for international cooperation, India and the European Union have moved forward on a comprehensive range of connectivity projects, reinforcing their strategic partnership. This progress was highlighted during high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting EU leaders, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
Strengthening Regional and Global Connectivity
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, stating that together, India and the EU will work to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a key pillar of global trade and sustainable development. This declaration underscores the shared commitment to enhancing connectivity between Europe, India, and the wider world, which is a major pillar of cooperation outlined in the comprehensive strategic agenda 2020.
The initiatives agreed upon by both sides are designed to unlock new commercial opportunities for Indian and EU businesses while upholding high standards. Key areas of focus include:
- Further implementation of the 2021 EU-India Connectivity Partnership through programs like the EU's Global Gateway and India's MAHASAGAR, with an emphasis on energy connectivity, transport, and digital infrastructure.
- Deepening strategic collaboration under the IMEC to diversify trade routes, reduce strategic dependencies, promote regional integration, and future-proof supply chains. This includes support for infrastructure development in maritime, rail, digital, and energy sectors.
- Advancing the EU-Africa-India Digital Corridor within the IMEC framework, leveraging the Blue Raman submarine cable system to provide ultra-high-speed, secure, and diversified data connectivity resilient to disruptions.
Promoting Sustainable and Green Initiatives
In line with global sustainability goals, the partnership also includes ambitious green projects:
- Developing Green Shipping Corridors to strengthen sustainable maritime connectivity, reduce dependency on carbon-intensive shipping fuels, and work towards global low-carbon maritime transport standards.
- Establishing a regular Dialogue on Aviation to explore ways to deepen market cooperation, expand direct connectivity, and strengthen sustainability in green aviation, with a view to a possible Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement.
Cooperation in Third Countries and Global Governance
The two sides announced initiatives to promote cooperation in third countries, such as implementing trilateral projects in energy, climate resilience, green mobility, and digitalization. They also plan to strengthen collaboration on resilient clean energy technologies and supply chains, leveraging the International Solar Alliance to make solar energy more accessible worldwide.
Additionally, India and the EU will enhance engagement with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and improve coordination on humanitarian assistance. This cooperation is crucial in the current global context, where the United States, under President Donald Trump, has challenged and withdrawn from several international organizations and pacts over the past year.
Shaping Effective Global Governance
To address these challenges, India and the EU have committed to shaping effective global governance through a range of measures:
- Enhancing coordination and joint action in multilateral fora, including the United Nations and the G20.
- Engaging on reform of multilateral institutions like the UN to make them more representative of contemporary geopolitical realities.
- Working together towards meaningful reform and strengthening of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to establish effective governance and an updated trade agenda.
- Collaborating to build an inclusive international financial architecture, mobilize resources, advance Multilateral Development Bank reforms, and implement the Sevilla Commitment action plan.
Focus on Climate, Health, and Technology
The partnership extends to critical global issues:
- Cooperating to effectively implement the Paris Agreement and respective Nationally Determined Contributions, as well as advancing the Global Water Agenda and engaging in negotiations on plastic pollution.
- Strengthening the resilience of health systems through primary health care, universal health coverage, and digital solutions, with a focus on a One Health approach.
- Establishing an India-EU Ocean and Fisheries Dialogue for enhanced cooperation on ocean governance and marine biodiversity protection.
- Coordinating in UN and other multilateral AI discourses to promote a responsible, human-centric AI approach, including working together for a successful AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February 2026.
European Council President Antonio Costa highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, "Our summit sends a clear message to the world: at a time when the global order is being fundamentally reshaped, the European Union and India stand together as strategic and reliable partners... together we must show leadership on global issues." He added that this cooperation will help shape a more balanced, resilient, and inclusive global order.
This enhanced collaboration marks a pivotal step in India-EU relations, positioning both as key players in addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development through innovative connectivity projects.
