India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) focus areas align with India’s vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 and provide an opportunity for mutual growth and innovation.
The second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), held in New Delhi on February 28, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the strengthening of bilateral ties between India and the European Union. Co-chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, and Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with senior EU representatives, this engagement highlights the growing strategic and economic convergence between the two regions. Established in April 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the TTC is a key platform addressing critical intersections of trade, technology, and security.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties in a Multipolar World
India and the EU, as two vibrant democracies with open-market economies and shared values, recognize the shifting dynamics of the global geopolitical landscape. Their cooperation is essential in promoting global stability, economic security, and inclusive growth. The emphasis on a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful dispute resolution solidifies their commitment to a multipolar world.
Key Pillars of India-EU Collaboration
The TTC operates through three core working groups: Strategic Technologies & Digital Governance, Clean & Green Technologies, and Trade, Investment & Resilient Value Chains. These focus areas align with India’s vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 and provide an opportunity for mutual growth and innovation.
1. Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Connectivity
Digital transformation is crucial for economic growth, and India and the EU are committed to developing advanced and trustworthy technologies. Their cooperation extends to:
- Semiconductors: Strengthening supply chain resilience through joint R&D in chip design, sustainable semiconductor technologies, and production capabilities.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Ensuring safe, human-centric, and ethical AI development while enhancing cooperation on Large Language Models and responsible AI applications.
- 6G and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Facilitating interoperability of digital infrastructure and mutual recognition of e-signatures to promote seamless cross-border transactions.
- Talent Exchange: Encouraging joint talent development programs to foster digital and semiconductor skills.
This digital collaboration will bolster India’s ambition to become a global technology leader while reinforcing the EU’s vision of a secure and open digital ecosystem.
2. Clean and Green Technologies: Advancing Sustainability Goals
The India-EU partnership is instrumental in achieving India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070 and the EU’s by 2050. Their collaboration includes:
- Battery Recycling & EV Technologies: Joint R&D initiatives with a €60 million investment in electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling, marine plastic waste mitigation, and waste-to-hydrogen conversion.
- Renewable Energy & Hydrogen Economy: Strengthening supply chains for solar, wind, and clean hydrogen, promoting sustainable energy solutions.
- Standardization & Market Expansion: Aligning standards for EV charging infrastructure and hydrogen safety protocols to accelerate market integration and investment opportunities.
By leveraging cutting-edge innovations, this collaboration will drive India’s transition towards a green economy while enhancing EU-India business cooperation in clean energy sectors.
3. Trade, Investment, and Resilient Value Chains
Economic security and resilient value chains remain a cornerstone of the India-EU partnership. Key developments include:
- Agricultural and Food Security Cooperation: Promoting climate-resilient farming, crop diversification, and research on food security under the G20 framework.
- Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Resilience: Enhancing transparency in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and establishing early warning systems to prevent supply disruptions.
- Boosting Clean Technology Investments: Encouraging technology transfer, research collaborations, and reducing trade barriers in sectors such as solar energy, offshore wind, and hydrogen.
The ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Investment Protection Agreement (IPA), and Geographical Indications Agreement will further deepen economic ties, enabling a conducive environment for trade and investment.
India’s Path to Economic Growth and Global Leadership
The India-EU TTC framework provides a robust mechanism for economic cooperation, innovation-driven growth, and global influence. India stands to benefit from:
- Enhanced Market Access: Greater integration with European markets will boost trade and investment.
- Technological Advancements: Joint R&D will foster India’s leadership in AI, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure.
- Green Energy Transition: Strengthening clean technology collaborations will support India’s sustainability goals.
- Strengthened Value Chains: Diversification of supply chains will enhance economic resilience and reduce dependency on single-source suppliers.
The strategic partnership between India and the EU is set to play a transformative role in shaping the global economic landscape. By fostering deeper collaboration, both regions will not only drive economic prosperity but also contribute to a stable, sustainable, and multipolar world order.
