By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – India and the European Union on Monday reviewed key areas of their strategic partnership, focusing on boosting trade and investment ties, expediting the Free Trade Agreement and strengthening cooperation in connectivity, clean energy and emerging technologies.

Both agreed to continue efforts towards concluding the Investment Protection Agreement and the Agreement on Geographical Indications.

Two sides held the 7th India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting in New Delhi, where they reviewed ongoing engagements to boost trade and investment cooperation, including the timely signing and implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

They also agreed to continue efforts towards concluding the Investment Protection Agreement and the Agreement on Geographical Indications.

Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening their connectivity partnership, including through the Global Gateway, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and trilateral projects in clean energy, climate resilience, green mobility and digitalization.

They also agreed to enhance coordination and cooperation towards shaping effective global governance.

The meeting was co-chaired by Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Matti Maasikas, Deputy Secretary General for Geo economics and Interinstitutional Issues at the European External Action Service.

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement “Both sides welcomed the very positive momentum in India-EU relations and reviewed the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda adopted at the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi on January 27, 2026”.

The discussions also covered strengthening supply chains and economic security, including strategic engagements under the Trade and Technology Council and the Blue Valleys initiative.

Both sides renewed their commitment to advancing the clean transition and reviewed related initiatives. They also discussed ways to include Indian ship recycling yards that comply with European Union regulations on ship recycling in the EU’s list of approved ship recycling facilities.

They discussed cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, digital public infrastructure, advanced semiconductors, clean technology and biotechnology.

They also discussed ways to foster a conducive digital environment and promote DPI.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the deepening research collaboration, including India’s potential association with Horizon Europe.

They also exchanged views on enhancing people-to-people contacts, including in talent mobility, education and skills development, and reviewed updates on the European Legal Gateway Office. They also looked forward to the next edition of the India-EU Human Rights Dialogue.

Both sides described them as trusted, predictable and like-minded partners.

They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the India-EU Strategic Partnership and delivering mutually beneficial, concrete and transformative outcomes.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to review preparations for future meetings at the leaders’ level.

“It was agreed to hold the next SPRM in Brussels at a mutually convenient date next year,” the statement added.