Under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India’s rapid urbanization is being steered towards a green and technologically advanced future, making it a global model for sustainable urban development.
The 4th India-EU Urban Forum on Smart & Sustainable Urbanization, held in New Delhi, marks a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between India and the European Union (EU) to drive sustainable urban development. Building on the 2017 Joint Declaration on Partnership for Smart and Sustainable Urbanization, the forum reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to promoting inclusive, resilient, and climate-smart urban growth in alignment with India’s Viksit Bharat vision. This partnership plays a crucial role in India’s urban transformation, reinforcing its commitment to global climate goals and sustainable development.
A Vision for Sustainable Urban Development
Urban areas account for nearly two-thirds of global energy consumption, emissions, and pollution, making sustainable urbanization a top priority for both India and the EU. Since 2017, the India-EU collaboration has been instrumental in introducing sustainable city models, facilitating public-private investments, and supporting climate action planning. The Team Europe initiative has engaged with over 40 Indian municipalities, fostering climate-smart development, improving waste management, and implementing innovative urban mobility solutions.
The forum focused on three key themes:
- Urban Alliance and Integrated Approaches in Indian Cities – Promoting holistic city planning and governance models that ensure sustainable growth and climate resilience.
- Promoting Innovation and Circularity at the City Level – Encouraging the adoption of circular economy principles, green infrastructure, and smart technologies.
- Inclusive Urban Mobility as a Social Enabler – Enhancing public transport, non-motorized transport infrastructure, and last-mile connectivity for citizens.
EU’s Commitment to India’s Urban Transformation
H.E. Hervé Delphin, Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union to India, highlighted the significance of India-EU cooperation, stating, “With the right policies in place, urbanization can be an enormous opportunity for sustainability. Smart and sustainable urbanization has been at the core of our partnership: to improve the eco-design of cities, to enhance waste disposal, to improve water recycling, and to facilitate urban mobility.”
He further noted that the EU has leveraged over €1 billion (INR 9000 crores) of capital to support sustainable urbanization in India through an investment of €45 million (INR 400 crores) between 2025-2027.
India’s Vision for Smart and Inclusive Cities
Shri Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), reaffirmed India’s dedication to urban innovation, stating, “Indian cities are embracing smart solutions, building green infrastructure, and implementing inclusive policies to ensure sustainable urbanization for generations to come.”
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has launched several ambitious urban missions that align with the India-EU partnership:
- Smart Cities Mission – Transforming 100 Indian cities into hubs of innovation and sustainability.
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT 2.0) – Enhancing urban water supply, sanitation, and drainage infrastructure.
- Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban – Revolutionizing waste management and sanitation.
- National Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Policy – Strengthening urban mobility through sustainable transport systems.
- National Electric Mobility Mission – Promoting electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Strengthening Financing and Infrastructure Development
A key focus of the forum was on innovative financing mechanisms that drive investments in sustainable urban projects. The Indian government, in collaboration with the EU, is fostering blended finance models, green bonds, and public-private partnerships (PPP) to fund urban infrastructure projects. Additionally, India’s close coordination with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Civil Aviation ensures improved road and air connectivity to key urban centers.
Way Forward: A Roadmap for Viksit Bharat
The India-EU collaboration is a testament to the Modi government’s commitment to modernizing urban spaces while ensuring environmental sustainability and economic inclusivity. As India marches towards Viksit Bharat 2047, this partnership will play a pivotal role in:
- Expanding smart city initiatives beyond the initial 100 cities.
- Strengthening urban climate resilience through green buildings and renewable energy adoption.
- Enhancing sustainable public transport and electric mobility solutions.
- Promoting digital governance and urban data-driven decision-making.
- Facilitating knowledge exchange and technology transfer between India and the EU.
The 4th India-EU Urban Forum has set the stage for a robust collaboration that will shape the cities of tomorrow. By leveraging the strengths of both India and the EU, this partnership is poised to create urban ecosystems that are smart, sustainable, and inclusive. Under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India’s rapid urbanization is being steered towards a green and technologically advanced future, making it a global model for sustainable urban development.
As India and the EU continue to strengthen their ties, their joint efforts will pave the way for transformative urbanization, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for millions of urban dwellers in India.
