EU and India agree to develop trilateral cooperation

The European Union and India today reaffirmed their commitment to working together in third countries, launching a new phase of development cooperation. Following a meeting between European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela and India’s Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, both sides agreed to jointly foster projects that support Global Gateway investments under the bilateral agenda as well as align with the Sustainable Development Goals and global climate action. This renewed cooperation is built on a flexible, partnership-based approach that leverages the strengths of both the EU and India to deliver meaningful impact on the ground in third countries.

Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela said: “Today, Europe and India are joining forces to deliver real, positive impact for their societies. Through Global Gateway, we are investing together in sustainable development projects that create jobs, connect communities, and strengthen our global resilience. Whether it’s digital public goods, clean energy, or sustainable agriculture, we will work together on concrete initiatives that respond to local needs and reflect our shared values.”

Potential priority areas for cooperation include digitalisation for sustainable development and digital financial inclusion, following up on the first European Union–India Trade and Technology Council in 2023, where it was agreed to identify joint EU–India projects on digital public infrastructure to benefit third countries. 

The EU and India will explore the development of innovative market-based mechanisms in sectors such as:

• Digitalisation and connectivity;
• Clean energy and green mobility;
• Sustainable agriculture and nutrition;
• Water and sanitation infrastructure;
• Education, health, and social protection;
• Women’s empowerment.

By joining forces, the EU and India aim to deliver more impactful, inclusive, and sustainable development solutions, providing a model for effective multilateral partnerships.

The collaboration between the EU and India from 2020 to 2025 is steered by the EU–India Strategic Partnership Roadmap, the EU-India Connectivity Partnership, the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and the Global Gateway Strategy.