India-EU Review Advances FTA and Horizon Europe Deal

India and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic and economic cooperation, with significant progress on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), investment protection and scientific research collaboration.

Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge co-chaired the 7th India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting in New Delhi with Mr. Matti Maasikas, Deputy Secretary-General for Geoeconomics and Interinstitutional Issues of the European Union. The meeting reviewed the full spectrum of the India-EU Strategic Partnership and progress in implementing the Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda. Discussions covered trade and investment including the India-EU FTA, supply chains and economic security, clean transition, critical technologies, research and connectivity, as well as talent mobility and people-to-people exchanges.

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 9, 2026

The developments came during the 7th India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting, held in New Delhi on November 9, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by India's Ambassador Sibi George and the European Union's Matti Maasikas, with both sides reviewing progress across key areas of bilateral engagement.

During the discussions, India and the EU reiterated their commitment to signing the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) soon in Brussels. The proposed agreement, alongside an Investment Protection Agreement, is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral trade, strengthen investment opportunities and deepen economic cooperation between the two partners.

India Joins €93.5 Billion Horizon Europe Programme

A major outcome of the meeting was the conclusion of arrangements for India's association with the European Union's €93.5 billion Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, beginning January 2027.

The association is expected to open new avenues for Indian researchers, universities, scientific institutions and businesses to collaborate with their European counterparts. It will also strengthen cooperation in advanced research, innovation, clean technologies and emerging sectors.

Focus on Clean Energy, Connectivity and Economic Security

Both sides also reviewed cooperation in several strategic sectors, including clean energy, connectivity, digital transformation and economic security.

The discussions highlighted opportunities to strengthen supply chains, expand electric vehicle exports and promote sustainable industrial development. Greater cooperation in green and digital technologies is also expected to create new opportunities for businesses and enhance economic resilience.

The two partners further emphasised the importance of strengthening people-to-people connections through enhanced research collaboration, institutional partnerships and wider exchanges.

Strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership

The latest review meeting underlines the growing importance of the India-EU strategic partnership amid changing global economic and geopolitical dynamics.

With the proposed FTA, investment protection framework and India's association with Horizon Europe, both sides are seeking to build a stronger foundation for long-term cooperation in trade, technology, research and sustainable development.

The developments mark another important step towards expanding India-EU engagement and unlocking new opportunities for businesses, researchers and citizens on both sides.