EU unveils push for closer India defense, trade ties

The move by the EU to push for closer ties with India follows a visit by EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic to New Delhi last week.

The European Union is embracing closer ties with India, as the bloc aims to diversify its trade ties and expand its global influence.

The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, announced details of the new “strategic agenda” on Wednesday, which includes measures on security, trade, technology, space and migration, according to a statement.

Brussels reiterated its aim to conclude a free-trade agreement with India this year. The two sides are “exploring the creation of an EU-India Security and Defence Partnership,” the statement said.

The EU also vowed to “further engage with India on all aspects of countering Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.”

The move by the EU to push for closer ties with India follows a visit by EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic to New Delhi last week. It also comes as the bloc has faced pressure from the US to impose tariffs on India and China for purchasing Russian oil.

US President Donald Trump has slapped tariffs on India and pressured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the country’s purchase of Russian energy, though the two leaders spoke on Tuesday, with Trump hailing a “wonderful call” with his Indian counterpart.