India and EU Forge Ambitious Strategic Agenda for 2030 with Tech and Innovation at Core
In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, has officially adopted the "Towards 2030: India–EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda." This landmark framework is designed to substantially elevate strategic cooperation between India and the European Union over the coming years, with a pronounced emphasis on harnessing technology and innovation as primary drivers of the partnership.
A Five-Pillar Roadmap for Enhanced Bilateral Engagement
The newly unveiled Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda is structured around five key pillars to accelerate mutual progress. These pillars encompass prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global challenges, as well as enabling factors such as skills development, mobility, business engagement, and deepening people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the agenda's ambitious scope, stating, "Based on today’s achievements, we are launching an even more ambitious and holistic strategic agenda for the next five years. In a complex global environment, this agenda will provide clear direction, advance our shared prosperity, accelerate innovation, strengthen security cooperation, and deepen people-to-people ties."
Technology Domain: Complementary Strengths and Collaborative Ventures
According to the joint statement released, India and the EU possess complementary strengths within the technology sector. Both sides have committed to intensifying collaboration across the entire value chain. This initiative will effectively link enhanced research and innovation efforts with practical business engagement and market operationalisation. In the current geopolitical landscape, marked by global disruptions, the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) has been reaffirmed as the cornerstone of their technology partnership. This high-level coordination platform is crucial for addressing key issues related to trade, technology, and economic security, with plans to further enhance its operational effectiveness.
Advancing Digital Infrastructure and New Technological Frontiers
The strategic agenda outlines a forward-looking approach to promoting Digital Public Infrastructure, which includes developing interoperable standards and exchanging best practices on regulatory frameworks. Collaboration will extend into cutting-edge new technologies such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, digital public infrastructure, and 6G. The overarching goal is to build cyber-secure and trusted digital ecosystems while advancing cooperation in clean technology sectors.
Broadening Discussions on Economic Security and Supply Chain Resilience
A critical component of the agenda involves broadening discussions on economic security. Particular focus will be placed on enhancing the resilience of supply chains and ensuring research security, underlining the paramount importance of protecting sensitive technologies from potential threats. Both sides have agreed to hold the next TTC ministerial meeting in Brussels in 2026 and to deepen ongoing business consultations, reinforcing their commitment to sustained dialogue and practical implementation.
This comprehensive strategic agenda marks a pivotal step in India-EU relations, setting a clear trajectory for deepened cooperation in an increasingly interconnected yet complex world.
