Geo-economic shifts revive India–EU trade talks

India and the European Union have wrapped up official-level negotiations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen set to formally announce the conclusion of the trade talks at the India–EU summit on Tuesday.

Launched in 2007, the negotiations gained real momentum over the past six months. By July last year, both sides had closed only seven of the 21 chapters, but they completed all remaining chapters last week. The accelerated pace came amid growing global uncertainty sparked by the US’s aggressive use of tariffs, prompting countries to seek new markets and trade partners.

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India–EU talks moved faster as global tariff tensions forced a rethink on trade

The EU continues to face US tariff threats linked to its tech regulations and Greenland, while Washington has imposed steep 50 per cent tariffs on India since August last year. Although US tariff pressure may have sped up the India–EU trade talks, both sides narrowed their differences by reassessing negotiating positions amid rapid geo-economic shifts that have even pushed multilateral bodies like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to struggle for relevance positions.

India–EU technology, defence cooperation moves closer as global challenges mount: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (January 27, 2026) said the signing of the India–EU technology and defence partnership marks a major step toward closer ties between the two sides amid a complex global environment.

Addressing an EU delegation led by High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas at South Block’s Raksha Mantralaya, Singh welcomed the leaders and noted the significance of their visit, which coincides with India’s 75th Republic Day. He said the occasion marks an important milestone in India’s constitutional journey and reaffirms the country’s commitment to global peace and security.Following the signing of the India–EU security and defence partnership, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Tuesday (January 27, 2026) called for stronger engagement across multilateral forums to further advance defence cooperation.

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