Bharat and European Union: A New Era of Strategic Partnership

As global power dynamics shift, Bharat and the European Union are forging a deeper strategic partnership. With economic synergies, geopolitical alignment, and defence cooperation, this alliance signals a move toward a multipolar world. Can Bharat become the EU’s key partner in navigating global uncertainties? The future of this relationship looks promising

While international media and global leaders fixated on U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and the Ukraine crisis, Bharat and the European Union (EU) quietly held multiple high-level meetings poised to redefine their bilateral relationship.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Bharat on February 27, 2025, followed by a large Belgian delegation headed by Princess Astrid of Belgium, signalling a strategic pivot in EU-Bharat ties.

A key theme emerging from these talks is the EU’s realisation—amid the Russia-Ukraine war—that rigid political and military alliances are fading. The future lies in geopolitical autonomy, a strategy Bharat has long championed. The EU needs a flexible foreign policy to navigate tomorrow's challenges.

Why are Bharat and the EU Strengthening Ties?

Trade and Economic Synergies

Bharat and the EU share robust trade ties, with the EU as Bharat’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for €115 billion in goods trade in 2023–24. The ongoing discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aim for a conclusion by the end of the year, highlighting the growing economic interdependence. European businesses are increasingly looking at Bharat as a reliable and stable investment destination, given concerns about economic opacity in China.

Geopolitical considerations

During his visit to Ireland on March 6, 2025, Bharat’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised the deep historical ties between the two nations, which predate Bharat’s independence. He urged Dublin to “display a degree of empathy on contemporary issues,” particularly when New Delhi advocates for the “concerns of the Global South.” He further stated that Bharat expects Ireland to “demonstrate understanding and support” in these matters.

Bharat has been advocating for greater representation of the Global South in international institutions like the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank. It expects Ireland, as a smaller but influential EU nation, to support these reforms.

Why Is the EU Moving Beyond US Dependency?

For decades, the EU leaned on the US for security via NATO. Yet, transatlantic strains—exacerbated by Trump’s tariff threats and reduced focus on Ukraine—plus technological rivalries, have spurred the EU toward autonomy.

The past decade has also unmasked China’s global ambitions. Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has locked resource-rich nations into debt—Sri Lanka’s 2022 default on $51 billion in loans, Pakistan’s $30 billion BRI debt burden, and Zambia’s $6.3 billion Chinese debt are stark examples.

President Xi Jinping’s “wolf warrior” diplomacy—evident in South China Sea clashes and trade spats with the EU—has further escalated tensions. China has announced a 7.2 per cent increase in its defence budget for 2025, bringing total military spending to approximately $224 billion, further amplifying global concerns.

It was Bharat that first flagged BRI’s predatory intent, notably at the 2017 SCO Summit, a concern later echoed by many nations, including those in the West. Its COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy—supplying 66 million doses globally by 2021—solidified its leadership, contrasting with China’s opaque response.

The Future of Bharat-EU relations

The EU’s strengths lie in its population of 448 million, GDP of €16.6 trillion, and tech leadership—making it a global force. Yet, it seeks a transparent, democratic partner. Bharat, with a GDP of $3.9 trillion, a median age of 28, and a democratic framework, fits perfectly. The following are the key areas for Bharat-EU collaboration.

Geopolitical mediation with Russia

Post-World War II, the EU’s biggest geopolitical concern has been Russia. Recently, President Putin sent out a message to Europeans while appearing on Croatia’s Channel 4 television: “Russia has never been and will never be your enemy.” He further emphasized that Moscow doesn’t “have territorial ambitions in Europe.”

However, there is a need for a neutral partner that can serve as a bridge between the EU and Russia. During the peak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Bharat ensured energy flows—exporting 1.2 million barrels of refined oil daily to Europe in 2023—positioning itself as a crucial intermediary between Moscow and Brussels.

Geo-economics: A reliable investment destination

Bharat is the world’s fifth-largest economy and is projected to become the third-largest by 2030. While Bharat requires investment for its growth, the EU seeks a stable and transparent economy in which to invest.

Concerns over China’s lack of economic transparency and deteriorating business environment have been validated by its recent economic slowdown. Unlike China, Bharat’s economy is fueled by strong domestic consumption and a young workforce. Post-COVID, global trade realignments—such as the trade war initiated by President Trump—have further questioned the sustainability of globalization, which Beijing had previously exploited. In contrast, Bharat’s transparent and investor-friendly policies make it an attractive alternative.

Defense manufacturing and military cooperation

Bharat has championed multilateral military cooperation rather than aligning with a single alliance. Through initiatives such as Make in India, Bharat has made significant strides in defence manufacturing. Countries like France and Israel have already benefited from partnerships with Bharat, supplying advanced military technology while engaging in joint production and technology transfer.

For the EU, this presents an opportunity to invest in R&D and collaborate on defence manufacturing.

A growing market for EU companies

Bharat’s 400-million-strong middle class and youthful workforce make it a lucrative market for EU firms across various sectors, including technology, services, and consumer goods.

Geostrategic importance in the Indo-Pacific

Bharat dominates the Indian Ocean, securing key shipping lanes. This strategic positioning enables it to counter China’s maritime influence. The 2020 Galwan clash saw Bharat repel China, forcing a rare de-escalation on Delhi’s terms—unlike smaller neighbours who capitulated to Beijing.

Bharat -The EU’s trusted partner for the future

The EU increasingly sees Bharat as an ideal partner—economically vibrant, militarily capable, and diplomatically stable. As the world’s largest democracy, Bharat offers a rules-based partnership, securing the EU’s future in a multipolar era.

(The author is Founder of My Startup TV)