Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ursula von der Leyen President of the European Commission share a common world view. Their leadership and synergy forges new pathways in global diplomacy, trade, and security

In a rapidly changing global landscape, countries across the world are striving to innovate and evolve — seeking deeper economic, strategic, and cultural integration. A united front has become essential to counter the disruptive ambitions of rising global actors and to address complex transnational challenges. In this context, India and the European Union emerge as natural partners, committed to shaping a more secure, prosperous, and cooperative world order.

This spirit of collaboration was evident during the recent visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, accompanied by the College of Commissioners, to India. The visit marked a significant moment in India–EU relations, taking place against the backdrop of major global shifts — including the reorientation of American economic policy under former United States President Donald Trump and the continuing, destabilising conflicts between Israel and Palestine as well as Russia and Ukraine.

The high-level meeting between India and the 27-member European Union has opened up new avenues for economic cooperation, trade negotiations, and investment protection. This dialogue has brought greater alignment among the EU nations and India, aiming for enhanced collaboration in Asia, the Pacific, and Africa. These efforts reflect the depth of understanding and mutual respect between the two sides.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ursula von der Leyen have demonstrated remarkable vision and strategic foresight in recent years. Their leadership has forged new pathways in global diplomacy, trade, and security. They have worked tirelessly to establish multiple channels for negotiation, with the goal of inclusive democratisation in world politics. Their approach emphasises innovation, strategic adaptability, and a commitment to addressing the needs of all stakeholders.

One of the most pressing concerns remains the need for global consensus on relaxing intellectual property rights under the TRIPS Agreement, especially related to vaccines. Facilitating access to life-saving medicines during health emergencies is vital. The growing consensus on climate change, renewable energy, and technological development is another area where India and the EU are finding common ground.

Their focus on sustainable energy, power generation, and a coordinated response to challenges posed by initiatives like China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) bodes well for global peace and prosperity.

The 2019 Japan–EU agreement was a step in this direction. India and the EU have enjoyed historically strong relations, with bilateral trade witnessing a significant surge over the past five years. Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands have emerged as major importers from India, while Germany, France, and Belgium remain key exporters to India. These relationships are being further strengthened through recent diplomatic engagements, promoting a stable environment for economic growth, free trade, and strategic cooperation.

The EU’s Civil Protection System provided timely support to India during the devastating second wave of COVID-19. This humanitarian gesture created opportunities for deeper integration and expanded cooperation across a range of sectors. Diplomacy, especially during crises, thrives on timely gestures and coordinated responses. Leaders such as Emmanuel Macron of France and the Prime Ministers of Spain and Belgium have lauded India’s efforts in tackling the pandemic, reaffirming the strength of India–EU relations.

While past negotiations on a Broad-Based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) did not reach a final conclusion on issues like market access and foreign direct investment, the partnership continues to progress. There has been meaningful cooperation in areas like nuclear energy and environmental sustainability. Future discussions may result in a robust strategic framework to address terrorism, international crime, drug trafficking, smuggling, and cyber threats posed by non-state actors.

Strengthening maritime cooperation is also on the agenda, particularly in the Indian Ocean and Indo–Pacific regions. These areas are increasingly significant in global geopolitics. A collaborative partnership built on equity, timely assistance, and mutual respect can empower people and governments to respond effectively during crises.

Such initiatives will also promote long-term development across both regions. By adopting a new structural approach and rethinking traditional frameworks, stakeholders can maintain synergy even when facing divergent perspectives. A fresh, inclusive vision will be essential to manage global challenges.

One emerging area of concern is the misuse of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones. While primarily used for commercial purposes, their affordability and accessibility make them vulnerable to exploitation by extremist groups. The repeated misuse of drones globally has raised major security concerns. India and the EU have recently begun a dialogue on this issue, recognising the urgent need to establish regulations and monitoring mechanisms.

This cooperation stems from a broader strategic roadmap that began with the “EU–India Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025,” launched in July 2020. Another significant step was the 2021 conference focusing on enhancing the strategic partnership. With ongoing conflicts in West Asia, the Russia–Ukraine war, and unrest in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the potential for misuse of technology by non-state actors remains high. Therefore, developing a common understanding through the European Union’s Project on Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia is crucial.

The next major challenge will be establishing an effective regulatory framework for intelligence gathering and risk assessment. India–EU cooperation against terrorism must be supported by robust systems capable of addressing potential threats from biological, chemical, and nuclear attacks. These may be carried out by rogue individuals or extremist groups, making it essential to stay ahead through innovation and shared intelligence.

The current global landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. International relations must evolve to include a shared strategic vision and multilateral approaches to ensure mutual prosperity and global peace. In this spirit, there is an urgent need to develop international funding mechanisms to support education, healthcare, science, and technology. Even smaller nations are now increasingly affected by global economic and political changes, underscoring the need for a collective approach.

(The author, a recipient of the Bharat Gaurav and the Asian Achievers Award, is a professor and an expert on strategic affairs. Views are personal)