When and where will the 16th EU-India Summit take place?

The 16th EU-India Summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi, IND.

What is the primary objective of the EU-India Summit?

The primary objective is to strengthen the strategic partnership between the European Union and IND, addressing bilateral, regional, and global issues across various sectors.

16th EU-India Summit

Name: 16th EU-India Summit
Start: 2026-01-27T00:00:00Z
End: 2026-01-27T00:00:00Z
Location: New Delhi

Jan 27, 2026New Delhi, IndiaIn-person

Registration open

The 16th EU-India Summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi, IND, represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing strategic partnership between the European Union and India. This high-level gathering serves as a critical platform for leaders from both sides to address a wide array of bilateral, regional, and global issues. The summit's agenda is expected to encompass discussions on trade, investment, climate change, digital cooperation, security, and multilateralism, reflecting the comprehensive nature of their relationship. As both entities navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, this summit aims to reinforce their shared commitment to democratic values, rules-based international order, and sustainable development.

Committees & topics

Topics
EU-India Foreign Affairs Cooperation · Asia Policy and Regional Cooperation · EU-India Trade and Investment Relations · Security and Defence Cooperation · Reinvigorating Multilateralism and Global Governance · The Indo-Pacific Region · Russia's War of Aggression Against Ukraine · The Middle East: Gaza, Regional Stability, and Connectivity

Why it matters

This summit holds significant importance for several reasons. For the European Union, strengthening ties with IND is a key component of its Indo-Pacific strategy, aiming to diversify partnerships and promote stability in a region of growing strategic importance. For IND, engaging with the EU provides access to a major economic bloc, advanced technologies, and a partner in upholding multilateralism. The discussions at the summit will likely influence future policy directions in areas such as trade agreements, technological collaboration, and joint efforts on global challenges like climate action and pandemic preparedness.

Beyond economic and political considerations, the summit also serves as a forum to address pressing global security concerns. Both the EU and IND have a vested interest in regional stability and countering emerging threats. The outcomes of these discussions could lead to enhanced cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, and cybersecurity, underscoring the multifaceted nature of their strategic partnership. The dialogue also provides an opportunity to align perspectives on international norms and governance, particularly in the context of evolving global power dynamics.

Furthermore, the summit's location in New Delhi, IND, highlights IND's increasing prominence on the world stage and its role as a key player in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific. The discussions will not only impact the bilateral relationship but also have broader implications for international relations, demonstrating how major democratic powers can collaborate to address shared challenges and promote a more stable and prosperous global environment. The emphasis on a rules-based order is particularly relevant given current geopolitical tensions.

How to prepare

Delegates preparing for the 16th EU-India Summit should conduct a thorough analysis of the current geopolitical landscape, paying close attention to the evolving dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. Understanding the strategic interests and priorities of both the European Union and IND is paramount. This includes reviewing recent policy documents, joint statements from previous summits, and statements from key officials. A deep dive into specific areas of cooperation, such as trade negotiations, digital policy frameworks, and climate commitments, will be crucial for effective participation.

Familiarity with the internal political and economic contexts of both the EU member states and IND will also be beneficial. This involves understanding the domestic pressures and opportunities that may influence negotiating positions and policy outcomes. For instance, awareness of key economic sectors, technological advancements, and societal priorities in both regions will enable delegates to frame their contributions more effectively. Utilizing frameworks like the What Is Stakeholder Mapping? and Hidden Stakeholders lessons can help in identifying and understanding the various actors and their influence on the summit's agenda.

Given the comprehensive nature of the summit, delegates should also be prepared to engage with a diverse range of topics, from economic partnerships to security cooperation and cultural exchanges. Developing a nuanced understanding of the historical context of EU-India relations, including past successes and challenges, will provide valuable perspective. The Engagement Strategies lesson can offer guidance on how to approach complex discussions and build consensus among diverse stakeholders. Ultimately, a well-rounded preparation will involve both broad strategic understanding and detailed knowledge of specific policy areas.

Country perspectives

Where the most-relevant 7 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.

India

Seeks to strengthen economic ties, attract investment, and enhance cooperation on global issues, while asserting its strategic autonomy.

Role in topic

As the host nation, IND is a central figure in the summit, aiming to deepen its strategic partnership with the European Union across various sectors. IND views the EU as a crucial partner for trade, technology transfer, and investment, and seeks to leverage this relationship to support its economic growth and modernization. Furthermore, IND is keen to collaborate on global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and security, while maintaining its non-aligned foreign policy stance and promoting a multipolar world order. The summit provides an opportunity for IND to showcase its growing influence and commitment to international cooperation.

Belgium

As a key EU member, supports deeper EU-India engagement, particularly in trade, investment, and research.

Role in topic

As a founding member of the European Union, BEL contributes to the collective EU position on external relations, including with IND. BEL generally advocates for strong multilateral cooperation and open trade, aligning with the EU's overall objectives for the summit. Its involvement would likely focus on promoting EU-India collaboration in areas of mutual interest, such as digital innovation, sustainable development, and research, reflecting its own economic and technological strengths within the EU framework.

France

Advocates for a robust EU-India strategic partnership, with a focus on defense, security, and Indo-Pacific stability.

Role in topic

FRA, a prominent member of the European Union, has been a strong proponent of strengthening the EU's strategic autonomy and its engagement in the Indo-Pacific. FRA views IND as a critical partner for regional stability and security, particularly in countering maritime threats and promoting a rules-based order. Its perspective at the summit would likely emphasize enhanced defense cooperation, technological collaboration, and joint efforts in addressing global challenges, aligning with its broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

Germany

Supports strengthening economic ties, climate cooperation, and multilateralism with India within the EU framework.

Role in topic

DEU, as the largest economy in the European Union, plays a significant role in shaping the EU's foreign policy and economic relations. DEU is a key advocate for deepening trade and investment ties with IND, seeing it as a vital market and a partner in global supply chains. Its perspective at the summit would likely focus on advancing economic cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and collaborating on climate action and renewable energy initiatives, consistent with its own industrial and environmental priorities.

Italy

Supports enhanced EU-India cooperation, particularly in trade, cultural exchange, and addressing global challenges.

Role in topic

ITA, as a significant EU member, generally supports the European Union's efforts to deepen its strategic partnership with IND. ITA's interests often lie in expanding trade, fostering cultural and scientific exchanges, and collaborating on global issues such as climate change and sustainable development. Its contributions to the summit's discussions would likely reflect these priorities, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties within the broader EU-India framework.

Netherlands

Advocates for open trade, digital cooperation, and sustainable solutions in the EU-India partnership.

Role in topic

The NLD, known for its open economy and focus on innovation, is a strong proponent of strengthening trade and investment links between the European Union and IND. Its perspective at the summit would likely emphasize digital cooperation, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy initiatives. The NLD also supports a rules-based international order and would advocate for enhanced collaboration on global governance and multilateral issues within the EU-India dialogue.

Spain

Supports stronger EU-India ties, focusing on economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and shared democratic values.

Role in topic

ESP, as a member of the European Union, supports the strengthening of the EU-India strategic partnership. Its perspective at the summit would likely emphasize enhancing economic cooperation, promoting cultural and educational exchanges, and reinforcing shared democratic values. ESP also has interests in collaborating on sustainable development and addressing global challenges, aligning with the broader EU agenda for engagement with IND.

Topics & background

The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.

EU-India Foreign Affairs Cooperation

EU-India relations were established in the 1960s and upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2004. Following years of relative drift, the partnership was reinvigorated by the 2020 EU-India Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2025 and the launch of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council in 2023, only the second such mechanism the EU has established (after the one with the United States). Foreign policy coordination has expanded across connectivity, climate, digital governance, and counterterrorism, even as the two sides retain different threat perceptions and diplomatic traditions. The 16th EU-India Summit takes place against a backdrop of accelerating geopolitical realignment: India's rise as the world's most populous state and fifth-largest economy, the EU's push for 'strategic autonomy,' and shared concern over coercive economic statecraft. Both sides increasingly frame the relationship as a partnership of 'like-minded democracies,' though New Delhi resists Western framing on issues such as Russia and remains protective of its non-aligned tradition. The foreign affairs track of the summit typically reviews the full bilateral architecture — political dialogues, human rights consultations, and joint statements on third-country crises — and sets the political direction for sectoral cooperation in trade, security, technology, and global governance.

Key players

Asia Policy and Regional Cooperation

The EU adopted its first formal Asia strategy in 1994 and has steadily deepened ties with Asian partners through Strategic Partnerships with Japan, South Korea, India, and ASEAN, and Free Trade Agreements with Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea. The 2018 EU Strategy on Connecting Europe and Asia and the 2021 Indo-Pacific Strategy reflect a shift from a purely economic posture to one that integrates security, connectivity, and values. Asia is now the EU's largest trading region and home to several of its most consequential partners and competitors. The rise of China, tensions on the Korean Peninsula, instability in Myanmar, and the contested status of the Taiwan Strait all directly affect European interests. For India, the EU represents a balancing partner that does not duplicate the political baggage of bilateral ties with Washington, Moscow, or Beijing. At the summit, the Asia track allows the two sides to compare assessments of regional flashpoints, coordinate on ASEAN-centred mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit and ARF, and align approaches to South Asian neighbours including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.

Key players

EU-India Trade and Investment Relations

The EU is one of India's largest trading partners, with bilateral goods trade exceeding €120 billion annually and services trade growing rapidly. Negotiations for a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) were launched in 2007 but suspended in 2013 over disagreements on tariffs (especially automobiles, wines and spirits), services market access, government procurement, and data protection. Talks were formally relaunched in June 2022 alongside parallel negotiations on an Investment Protection Agreement and a Geographical Indications agreement. The trade agenda has been complicated by new EU instruments — the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the Deforestation Regulation, and supply chain due diligence rules — which India views as unilateral and protectionist. Conversely, the EU continues to press India on tariffs, non-tariff barriers, sustainable development chapters, and intellectual property. The EU-India Trade and Technology Council, launched in 2023, has added a structured channel for resolving frictions in green tech, semiconductors, and digital trade. The summit's trade track is expected to take stock of FTA negotiating rounds, address CBAM-related concerns, and advance cooperation on resilient supply chains for critical raw materials, pharmaceuticals, and clean technology.

Key players

Security and Defence Cooperation

Security cooperation has historically been the weakest pillar of EU-India relations, constrained by India's preference for bilateral defence ties — particularly with France and, historically, Russia — and by the EU's limited hard-security toolkit. This is changing. In 2022, the EU and India launched a Security and Defence Consultation, and in 2023 India joined the EU's PESCO project on military mobility, becoming one of the first non-European participants. Joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean have followed. Drivers include shared concerns about maritime security, freedom of navigation, terrorism, hybrid threats, and the weaponisation of economic interdependence. The war in Ukraine has accelerated European interest in diversifying defence-industrial partnerships, while India seeks to indigenise production under 'Make in India' and reduce dependence on Russian platforms. At the summit, expected deliverables include expanded maritime cooperation, dialogue on cyber and space security, counterterrorism coordination including on UN listings, and exploration of defence-industrial joint ventures, particularly with France and Germany.

Key players

Reinvigorating Multilateralism and Global Governance

Both the EU and India describe themselves as defenders of a rules-based multilateral order, but they often differ on what that order should look like. The EU has championed reform of the WTO, climate multilateralism under the UNFCCC, and stronger international rules on human rights and digital governance. India has prioritised UN Security Council reform — seeking a permanent seat through the G4 — voice for the Global South, equitable climate finance, and reform of international financial institutions, themes it advanced as G20 president in 2023. Gridlock in the UN Security Council over Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, the WTO Appellate Body crisis, and the contested negotiations on a Pandemic Treaty and Plastics Treaty have given fresh urgency to the EU-India dialogue on multilateralism. The two sides increasingly coordinate in bodies such as the WTO, WHO, and ITU, and on issues such as AI governance, where the EU AI Act and India's emerging framework offer different regulatory models. The summit's multilateralism track focuses on UN reform, sustainable development financing, climate and biodiversity commitments, and coordinated responses to challenges of digital and AI governance.

Key players

The Indo-Pacific Region

The EU adopted its Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in September 2021, recognising the region as central to global trade, security, and the rules-based order. The strategy emphasises seven priority areas, including maritime security, connectivity, green transition, and digital governance. Several member states — France (a resident power via its overseas territories), Germany, and the Netherlands — have issued their own Indo-Pacific guidelines, and EU naval deployments in the Indian Ocean have become regular. India is central to the EU's Indo-Pacific vision. New Delhi articulates its own concept through its Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the SAGAR doctrine ('Security and Growth for All in the Region'), and France co-leads the IPOI's maritime security pillar. Convergences include freedom of navigation, opposition to coercion, support for ASEAN centrality, and connectivity alternatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) announced at the 2023 G20. The summit's Indo-Pacific track is expected to advance maritime domain awareness cooperation, joint exercises, port calls, IMEC implementation, and trilateral formats with partners such as Japan, Australia, and the UAE.

Key players

Russia's War of Aggression Against Ukraine

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 fundamentally reshaped European security and exposed the most visible divergence in EU-India relations. The EU has imposed fifteen successive sanctions packages, provided over €85 billion in financial, humanitarian, and military assistance to Ukraine through mechanisms including the European Peace Facility, and led efforts on accountability and the use of frozen Russian assets. India, by contrast, has abstained on key UN General Assembly resolutions condemning the invasion, while sharply increasing imports of discounted Russian crude oil, which it refines and partly re-exports. New Delhi frames its stance as principled non-alignment, calling for dialogue and diplomacy, condemning attacks on civilians and nuclear facilities, and invoking the UN Charter without naming Russia as the aggressor. Prime Minister Modi's statement in 2022 that 'this is not an era of war' was widely noted in European capitals. India has participated in Ukraine-led peace formats, including the Jeddah and Copenhagen talks, but did not endorse the final communiqué at the Bürgenstock summit in 2024. At the summit, the Ukraine file is a test of how far the partnership can integrate divergent positions. Likely areas of discussion include humanitarian assistance, food and energy security, nuclear safety, post-war reconstruction, and adherence to international law and territorial integrity.

Key players

The Middle East: Gaza, Regional Stability, and Connectivity

The Middle East has returned to the centre of EU and Indian foreign policy since the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023 and the ensuing war in Gaza, which has produced a catastrophic humanitarian situation and risked wider regional escalation involving Lebanon, the Red Sea (Houthi attacks on shipping), Iran, and Iraq. The EU has called for a sustainable ceasefire, hostage release, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a credible political horizon based on a two-state solution, though member states have varied in tone, with Spain, Ireland, Norway (non-EU), and Slovenia recognising the State of Palestine in 2024. India maintains close ties with both Israel — a major defence and technology partner — and Arab states, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which host large Indian diasporas and are central to its energy security. New Delhi has supported a two-state solution and provided humanitarian assistance to Gaza via UNRWA and bilaterally, while distinguishing terrorism from the broader Palestinian question. The summit also addresses the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), announced at the G20 in 2023, which connects India through the Gulf, Jordan, and Israel to European ports. The corridor's implementation has been complicated by the Gaza war but remains a flagship connectivity project for both sides, alongside cooperation on maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf.

Key players

Resources

News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for 16th EU-India Summit.

Recent reporting to ground your prep

China's New Strategy for Taiwan and Japan

Arming an archipelago: Is time running out for Europe's oldest DMZ? | Euronews

Comprehensive approach to security: Federal Council launches consultation on Switzerland's security policy strategy

Ukraine Drone Strikes Crimea Power Grid

Lessons

Bite-sized lessons to build the basics

Hidden Stakeholders

Engagement Strategies

Dynamic Analysis

Stakeholder Mapping Workshop

Courses

Guided courses that go deeper on the topic

Advanced Negotiation

Multilateral Negotiation

Policy Brief Writing

Conflict Resolution

India January 2026

By committee

Frequently asked questions

16th EU-India Summit

Jan 27, 2026New Delhi, IndiaIn-person

Registration open

Committees & topics

Topics
EU-India Foreign Affairs Cooperation · Asia Policy and Regional Cooperation · EU-India Trade and Investment Relations · Security and Defence Cooperation · Reinvigorating Multilateralism and Global Governance · The Indo-Pacific Region · Russia's War of Aggression Against Ukraine · The Middle East: Gaza, Regional Stability, and Connectivity

Why it matters

How to prepare

Country perspectives

Where the most-relevant 7 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.

India

Seeks to strengthen economic ties, attract investment, and enhance cooperation on global issues, while asserting its strategic autonomy.

Role in topic

Belgium

As a key EU member, supports deeper EU-India engagement, particularly in trade, investment, and research.

Role in topic

France

Advocates for a robust EU-India strategic partnership, with a focus on defense, security, and Indo-Pacific stability.

Role in topic

Germany

Supports strengthening economic ties, climate cooperation, and multilateralism with India within the EU framework.

Role in topic

Italy

Supports enhanced EU-India cooperation, particularly in trade, cultural exchange, and addressing global challenges.

Role in topic

Netherlands

Advocates for open trade, digital cooperation, and sustainable solutions in the EU-India partnership.

Role in topic

Spain

Supports stronger EU-India ties, focusing on economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and shared democratic values.

Role in topic

Topics & background

The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.

EU-India Foreign Affairs Cooperation

Key players

Asia Policy and Regional Cooperation

Key players

EU-India Trade and Investment Relations

Key players

Security and Defence Cooperation

Key players

Reinvigorating Multilateralism and Global Governance

Key players

The Indo-Pacific Region

Key players

Russia's War of Aggression Against Ukraine

Key players

The Middle East: Gaza, Regional Stability, and Connectivity

Key players

Resources

News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for 16th EU-India Summit.

Recent reporting to ground your prep

China's New Strategy for Taiwan and Japan

Arming an archipelago: Is time running out for Europe's oldest DMZ? | Euronews

Comprehensive approach to security: Federal Council launches consultation on Switzerland's security policy strategy

Ukraine Drone Strikes Crimea Power Grid

Lessons

Bite-sized lessons to build the basics

Hidden Stakeholders

Engagement Strategies

Dynamic Analysis

Stakeholder Mapping Workshop

Courses

Guided courses that go deeper on the topic

Advanced Negotiation

Multilateral Negotiation

Policy Brief Writing

Conflict Resolution

India January 2026

By committee

Committees & topics

Why it matters

How to prepare

Country perspectives

Topics & background

Resources

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Frequently asked questions

Committees & topics

Why it matters

How to prepare

Country perspectives

Topics & background

Resources

Related conferences

Quad Foreign Ministers’ Summit 2026

International Conference on BRICS @ 2026: India's Leadership and the Future of the Global South

XXI International Conference on Public Policy & Management

VIJIGISHU - VII (7th Edition) 2026

13th Biennial International Conference of the Indian Association for Asian & Pacific Studies (IAAPS)

ISA-AP New Delhi 2026

Frequently asked questions