India-EU Trade and Technology Council Holds Second Meeting in New Delhi

The second meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was held in New Delhi on February 28, 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, and Minister for Electronics and IT Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw. On the EU side, the co-chairs were Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy Ms. Henna Virkkunen, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Mr. Maros Šefčovič, and Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation Ms. Ekaterina Zaharieva.

The India-EU TTC, established in April 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, serves as a key platform to enhance trade, technology, and security cooperation. Given the evolving global geopolitical landscape, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order, promoting global stability, economic security, and sustainable growth.

Key Highlights of the Meeting:

1. Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Connectivity

• Both sides agreed to deepen digital cooperation with a focus on AI, semiconductors, High-Performance Computing, and 6G.

• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) collaboration was discussed, emphasizing interoperability while ensuring data protection and privacy.

• India and the EU committed to strengthening semiconductor supply chains, exploring joint R&D in chip design, and talent exchange programs.

• A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bharat 6G Alliance and the EU 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association to align research and development priorities.

• Both sides pledged to bridge the digital skills gap, enhance legal pathways for skilled professionals, and collaborate on AI governance.

2. Clean and Green Technologies

• India and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to net zero emissions by 2070 (India) and 2050 (EU).

• Joint research projects worth €60 million were announced for EV battery recycling, marine plastic litter management, and waste-to-hydrogen technologies.

• Indian experts participated in a training program at the EU’s E-Mobility Lab in Italy and a workshop on EV Charging Technologies in Pune.

• The two sides agreed to harmonize EV charging infrastructure standards, strengthen hydrogen-related safety standards, and explore wastewater treatment solutions.

3. Trade, Investment, and Resilient Value Chains

• Discussions focused on enhancing trade partnerships, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring economic security.

• Both sides reviewed progress on Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Investment Protection Agreement (IPA), and Geographical Indications Agreement.

• Agreements were made to promote agri-food, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and clean technologies.

• Collaboration in food security, climate-resilient agriculture, and pharma supply chain transparency was emphasized.

• India and the EU committed to tackling challenges arising from the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), particularly for small and medium enterprises.

Future Outlook:

The co-chairs reaffirmed their commitment to deepening engagement under the TTC framework and agreed to hold the third TTC meeting within a year. This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing trade, technology, and sustainability partnerships between India and the EU.