Jun 16, 2025 08:12 IST First published on: Jun 16, 2025 at 08:12 ISTShareThe partnership between India and the European Union (EU) is gaining significance as a stabilising force in the emerging multipolar world. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Brussels this week was part of an effort to consolidate the new possibilities triggered by the growing convergence of interests and changing international circumstances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus reinforces the new Indian commitment to Europe. The turbulence of Donald Trump’s second presidential term— marked by protectionism and scepticism toward alliances and partnerships — has nudged Delhi and Brussels to hedge against US unpredictability and uphold a rules-based international order. This does not by any means suggest that Delhi and Brussels are going to walk away from Washington. On the contrary, the US remains the most important economic and strategic partner for India and Europe. Both sides will do their best to preserve the essence of that relationship; but they are also naturally looking to deepen other partnerships.The last year and more has seen greater momentum in bilateral relations. A comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), targeted for conclusion by the end of 2025, is central to joint efforts to diversify supply chains and promote sustainable growth. After years of stalled talks, Delhi and Brussels are now signaling unprecedented urgency to conclude the trade agreement. Connectivity projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) illustrate the ambition to reshape regional linkages and create new engines of innovation. Cooperation in advanced technologies and the exploration of new possibilities for defence industrial collaboration are also on the top of the current agenda.AdvertisementThere are tricky waters to negotiate. Russia remains a sensitive factor in India-EU relations. While India maintains long-standing defence ties with Moscow and has refrained from criticising Russia’s war in Ukraine, Europe is at the receiving end of Russia’s ambitions to rearrange the regional order. However, both India and the EU have prioritised pragmatic engagement over ideological arguments. Brussels has avoided putting pressure on India for its Russia policy, instead focusing on trade, technology, and shared concerns about China. Pakistan has inevitably figured in Jaishankar’s talks in Brussels, thanks to the post Pahalgam conflict. While the EU advocates peace and dialogue in South Asia, it also recognises India’s right to self-defence and has condemned cross-border terrorism. Neither India nor EU want to let the Pakistan factor derail the new possibilities for building a bilateral strategic partnership. The India-EU partnership is becoming a central axis in the construction of a multipolar world. It is not merely a tactical hedge, but a strategic alignment grounded in shared economic interests, democratic values, and the pursuit of enhanced national security.