New Delhi: As Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, embarks on her visit to India on Thursday, New Delhi is optimistic about enhancing collaboration with the European Union (EU) in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have indicated that the agenda will prioritize the strengthening of AI partnerships at both bilateral and EU levels.
The delegation from the EU, led by von der Leyen, includes 22 of the 27 European Union Commissioners, marking a significant occasion as it is the first visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India and their inaugural collective trip outside Europe since assuming office in December 2024.
Sources from the MEA emphasized India's dedication to fostering AI collaboration, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent summit in France, which brought together representatives from over 90 nations. The MEA pointed out the reciprocal advantages of such partnerships, particularly in light of the EU's efforts to establish AI standards and regulations.
"This is a topic of discussion in our meetings. We see potential synergies here, which is why we believe there is ample opportunity for cooperation at both the national and EU levels," an official remarked.
In the realm of defense and security, both parties are eager to strengthen ties, especially concerning the Indo-Pacific region.
The EU has recently unveiled its Indo-Pacific strategy, expressing a desire for deeper collaboration. Talks may involve formalizing agreements to enhance coordination among naval forces operating in the area.
The European Union has recently unveiled its Indo-Pacific strategy, indicating a growing interest in enhancing collaborations within the region. Currently, the focus appears to be on cooperative efforts at the military level, characterized by informal coordination, particularly when the Indian Navy is engaged in operations alongside their fighter aircraft. However, there are potential discussions underway to formalize such agreements, according to a source.
This visit is expected to deepen and broaden India-EU relations across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, resilient supply chains, digital technologies, semiconductors, green hydrogen, clean energy, sustainable urban development, water management, defense, and space exploration.
A key event will be the second Ministerial Meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC), which will address three main areas of cooperation: Digital and Strategic Technologies; Clean and Green Technologies; and Trade, Investments, and Resilient Supply Chains.
In response to inquiries regarding the timing of the visit amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, officials from the Ministry of External Affairs advised against viewing the visit as a direct response to recent developments. They underscored the strategic importance of the India-EU partnership, noting India's position as the world's largest democracy and the fifth-largest economy.
"Consider the significant contributions India makes on the global stage, whether in technology, talent, or skills," an official remarked.
India's largest trading partner in goods is the European Union, with bilateral trade experiencing a remarkable 90 percent growth over the last ten years. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the trade in goods reached USD 135 billion, comprising USD 76 billion in exports to the EU and USD 59 billion in imports. Additionally, bilateral trade in services was valued at USD 53 billion in 2023. From April 2000 to September 2024, cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows from the EU to India amounted to USD 117.4 billion, accounting for 16.6 percent of India's total FDI equity inflows.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the significant opportunities available for European companies in India, considering the country's vast market and demand. An official remarked, "European companies are eyeing substantial opportunities. They possess advanced technology and expertise, but lack the scale. India offers that scale, allowing for mutual benefits through technology transfer."
