The European Union–India partnership is “limitless, ambitious and progressive” and has reached a “totally new level” in strategic and qualitative terms, EU Ambassador Herve Delphin said on Saturday, while noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “not an era of war” message resonates deeply with European values.
Addressing Europe Day celebrations in New Delhi, Delphin described the recent EU–India summit as a milestone, saying it marked a convergence of symbolism, substance and strategic significance that led to “momentous outcomes”.
“We have placed our relationship to a totally new level, in qualitative and strategic terms. The EU-India partnership is limitless, ambitious and progressive,” he said.
He added that these gains were made possible due to the political trust and conviction shared by leaders on both sides.
The envoy highlighted key outcomes of the summit, including the unveiling of a joint strategic agenda for the next five years, progress on an ambitious free trade agreement, a security and defence partnership pact, and a comprehensive framework on mobility.
Also read: India-EU launch ₹169 crore EV battery recycling plan
Referring to the proposed free trade agreement as the “mother of all” trade deals, Delphin said it is expected to significantly boost bilateral commerce. “We are already India’s leading trading partner. With the FTA in place, we expect our two-way trade to double in value in the next years,” he said.
The ambassador also pointed to the growing economic footprint of European businesses in India, noting that around 6,000 EU companies operate in the country, generating nearly six million jobs and exporting goods worth close to €25 billion globally.
The EU, as a bloc, remains India’s largest trading partner in goods. In 2024–25, total trade between the two stood at approximately USD 136 billion, with exports valued at around USD 76 billion and imports at USD 60 billion.
Delphin said both sides are “global forces for good”, working towards stability, prosperity and multilateral cooperation.
On global conflicts, he referred to Russia’s war in Ukraine and underscored Europe’s stance. “Wars cause immense human suffering, massive economic losses. Ultimately, aggressors end up paying the higher price. Russia is not winning but losing the war of aggression it deliberately launched,” he said.
“We will continue to stand with Ukraine and in support of a just and lasting peace. This message of — ‘not an era of war’ — deeply resonates with Europe’s values and identity,” he added, describing the EU as “fundamentally a peace project”.
Follow us
