India and EU Advance Trade Deal Ahead of Modi Visit
India and the European Union reviewed strategic ties in New Delhi, paving the way for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sign a free trade agreement in December.
The Government of India and the European Union held the seventh India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting in New Delhi on November 9, 2026. Co-chaired by Secretary (West) Sibi George and Deputy Secretary-General Matti Maasikas, the officials evaluated the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda adopted in January 2026.
A primary outcome of the meeting is the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brussels in mid-December to formally sign the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The landmark pact, concluded earlier this year, is expected to cover a market of over two billion people. The two parties also agreed to work toward an investment protection agreement and a pact on geographical indications.
Beyond trade, the parties completed negotiations for India's association with Horizon Europe, the EU's 93.5-billion-euro research and innovation program. Cooperation will focus on critical technologies including semiconductors, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. Discussions also covered economic security, resilient supply chains, and connectivity projects such as the Global Gateway and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
Additional commitments include the clean transition of ship recycling yards and the scheduling of the next review meeting in Brussels next year.
