European countries have been one of the largest contributors of the FDI India. They offer opportunities in terms of technology sharing and techno-know-how providing high level synergies in sectors where European countries are the world leaders. India has a lot to gain from an FTA with the EU, particularly in regard to preferential and duty-free access to the European market. A sustainability impact assessment, commissioned by the EU indicates that an extended FTA would result in significant benefits to both parties in terms of welfare gains, production, international trade, wage & productivity increases.

Europe is India's second largest trading partner has consistently been among India’s top (10-12) global partners accounting for US$ 185 billion worth of trade in goods in 2022-2023 or 21.8% of total Indian trade. By means of the Strategic Partnership, India and the EU launched a ‘Roadmap to 2025’ to help guide joint action between the regions and further augment their association. The roadmap to 2025 showed the importance of global connectivity and the impact of cooperation on human lives for both the EU and India. In the time of global crisis during the COVID19 pandemic, India provided essential medicines such as paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine to many European Union member states, including France, UK, Germany, Italy and Netherlands.

In the same vein, India was supported with critical medical equipment by EU member states during the deadly 2nd wave of the pandemic in the country. India’s total Export with the various countries of Europe region stood at US$ 38 billion whereas Total Import from the region stood at US$28 billion during the year 2024-2025(Apr–Sep).

Objective

In today’s world, when economic structure of any nation is considered as benchmark of any country, India-European relations are growing strength to strength and trade and investment relations have seen significant changes and has been defined by deepening integration over the past decade. A regular and effective political and business dialogue has helped reach a balanced and forward-looking relation. The Session will deliberate on how Indian Industry can leverage from the expertise of the European counterparts, while highlighting Indian competence in attracting European FDI & measures to further bilateral trade.

In energy cooperation, India and Europe have strengthened their ties through major renewable energy initiatives. Under the EU-India Clean Energy Partnership, Europe has pledged $5 billion for investments in solar, wind, and hydrogen projects in India. Notably, the India-Germany Green Hydrogen Roadmap focuses on building green hydrogen infrastructure, with Germany investing $2 billion to support India’s hydrogen ecosystem. Additionally, France and India have expanded cooperation in nuclear energy under the "EPR Technology Initiative", with France investing $3 billion in setting up reactors at the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant, which will generate over 10 GW of clean energy. The India-Norway Energy Collaboration also promotes advancements in offshore wind technology, with projects worth $1 billion launched in Tamil Nadu.

Defense cooperation has emerged as a critical pillar of India’s partnership with European nations. In 2024, defense trade with Europe crossed $8 billion, driven by joint ventures, technology transfers, and defense exports. India and France are expanding their defense ties with the "Rafale M Naval Fighter Jet Agreement", worth $4 billion, to strengthen the Indian Navy’s capabilities. Additionally, India has signed defense pacts with the UK, including the co-production of advanced jet engines and joint military exercises such as Ajeya Warrior 2024. India and Italy have also inked a $1 billion deal for maritime surveillance systems and cybersecurity solutions.

In infrastructure development, India has attracted significant European investments. The EU Global Gateway Initiative, a response to China's Belt and Road Initiative, aims to fund $8 billion worth of connectivity projects in India. This includes investments in smart cities, logistics hubs, and rail connectivity. The Mumbai Metro Expansion Project, supported by $1 billion from the European Investment Bank (EIB), is set to transform urban transportation. Furthermore, European firms are playing a key role in India’s digital infrastructure, with Ericsson and Nokia investing $2 billion in the deployment of 5G networks across major cities.

In healthcare, India’s pharmaceutical exports to Europe stood at $10 billion in FY2023-24, with growing demand for affordable generic medicines and vaccines. Under the India-EU Health Partnership, both regions are collaborating on research for pandemic preparedness, vaccine development, and pharmaceutical innovation. Indian companies like Serum Institute of India and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories have partnered with European nations to supply vaccines and establish production units. The India-UK Global Health Initiative focuses on telemedicine and healthcare capacity building, with joint projects valued at $500 million.

Agriculture and food security remain critical areas of cooperation between India and Europe. Indian agricultural exports, including tea, rice, coffee, and spices, reached $7 billion in 2024, driven by growing demand for organic and sustainable produce. Under the India-EU Agri-Tech Partnership, European firms have invested $1 billion in modernizing cold storage, food processing, and supply chain infrastructure in India. India and the Netherlands are collaborating on precision agriculture technologies and sustainable water management, with pilot projects being implemented in Maharashtra and Punjab.

India’s digital and technology partnerships with Europe have expanded significantly, with Indian IT exports to the EU reaching $30 billion in 2024. Initiatives like the India-EU Digital Partnership focus on advancing AI, cybersecurity, and fintech solutions. Indian IT giants such as TCS and Infosys are collaborating with European firms to drive innovation in e-governance, cloud computing, and cross-border payment systems. The India-UK Tech Partnership, valued at $2 billion, is fostering joint research in artificial intelligence and clean technologies.

India’s growing engagement with Europe reflects a strategic alignment based on mutual interests in trade, defense, energy security, and sustainable development. The emphasis on green energy, cutting-edge technology, infrastructure, and digital innovation underscores the potential for deeper cooperation. As India continues to rise as a global economic powerhouse, its robust partnership with Europe positions both regions to achieve shared growth, prosperity, and stability in 2024 and beyond.