EU-India partnership reaches new strategic level, says EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin

EU Ambassador Herve Delphin said the European Union-India partnership has moved to a new level. Delphin described the ties as broad, forward-looking and open-ended in scope. Delphin also said both sides have raised the relationship in qualitative and strategic terms. Delphin spoke during Europe Day celebrations held on Friday night.

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Delphin told the gathering that leaders on both sides drove the latest progress. Delphin said political conviction and trust made the outcomes possible. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the event. Many diplomats, academicians and foreign policy experts were also present during the remarks.

EU-India partnership milestones after the EU-India summit

Delphin called the EU-India summit held three and a half months ago a milestone. Delphin said symbolism, substance and strategic importance came together at that meeting. Delphin linked this to the participation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Delphin also noted European Council President Antonio Costa attended as chief guests.

Delphin said both sides launched a joint strategic agenda for the next five years. Delphin also listed progress on an ambitious free trade agreement. Delphin cited a security and defence partnership pact as another major outcome. Delphin added that both sides firmed up a broad framework on mobility.

Delphin said the India-EU partnership matters for the 21st century. Delphin said both sides want to widen cooperation across many sectors. Delphin framed the relationship as a shared effort on global stability. Delphin also referred to prosperity, cooperation, and practical solutions through joint work.

EU-India partnership trade and EU companies in India

Delphin said the EU is already India’s leading trading partner. Delphin said the planned free trade agreement is seen as the mother of all trade deals. Delphin said two-way trade could double in value in the coming years. Delphin also pointed to deeper business links beyond headline trade.

Delphin cited a report titled the EU business economic footprint in India. Delphin said it was released this week and studied two-way engagement. Delphin said about 6000 EU companies operate in India. Delphin said these firms support close to six million jobs and export close to 25 billion euro.

Delphin noted the EU is India’s largest partner in goods trade as a bloc. For the financial year 2024-25, total goods trade reached about USD 136 billion. Exports stood near USD 76 billion, while imports were about USD 60 billion. Delphin used these figures to underline the scale of ties.

EU-India partnership and PM Modi’s message on war

Delphin referred to what was described as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Delphin said wars bring major human suffering and large economic losses. Delphin said aggressors eventually pay a higher price. Delphin added that Russia is losing the war it deliberately launched.

Delphin said, "We will continue to stand with Ukraine and in support of a just and lasting peace. This message of PM Modi -- not an era of war deeply resonates with Europes values and identity,\" Delphin said. Delphin also called the EU a peace project. Delphin said it turned away from centuries of continental wars.

Delphin said the current phase of EU-India ties is a reason for celebration this year. Delphin said links between India and the EU and its member states are deepening. Delphin positioned the progress as a Europe-India moment. Delphin added that recent agreements and trade plans showed wider intent on both sides.

With inputs from PTI