India Becoming "Indispensable" For Europe: EU Ahead Of New Delhi Visit

The European Union has described India as becoming 'indispensable' for Europe ahead of a major diplomatic visit to New Delhi next week, signaling a significant shift in the bloc's strategic priorities.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell will lead a delegation of senior officials for talks covering trade, climate change, technology cooperation, and regional security issues.

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"India is no longer just an important partner - it is becoming indispensable for Europe's strategic interests," said an EU official briefing reporters ahead of the visit.

The upgraded relationship comes as both sides seek to reduce dependence on China in critical supply chains. The EU-India Trade and Technology Council, established in 2022, has made significant progress in areas like semiconductors and clean energy.

Trade between the EU and India reached a record €120 billion last year, with negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement entering their final stages.

"We see enormous potential for growth," said EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis. "India's young, skilled workforce and growing middle class make it a natural partner for European businesses."

The visit will also address cooperation on climate change, with both sides committed to accelerating the clean energy transition. India has emerged as a leader in solar power deployment, while European companies are keen to invest in the sector.

Regional security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, will be another key topic. The EU has increasingly aligned with India's concerns about maintaining freedom of navigation and a rules-based order in the region.