The partnership between India and the European Union is at a critical juncture, where shared values and strategic alignment must now translate into tangible outcomes, according to Anandi Iyer, co-founder of TheDialog.
Speaking in a recent interview with TV9, Ms Iyer said that the India–EU relationship has evolved far beyond its early development-focused engagement into a mature strategic partnership shaped by democracy, economic resilience, and a shared commitment to a rules-based global order. At a time when global institutions face mounting stress, she noted, the partnership offers a stabilising counterweight in an increasingly fragmented world.
Ms Iyer highlighted that cooperation between India and the EU is expanding across critical areas such as climate action, technology governance, digital public infrastructure, and supply-chain resilience. With geopolitical uncertainties reshaping global trade and technology flows, she stressed that India and Europe are increasingly aligned in seeking open, transparent, and sustainable frameworks for growth.
Economic engagement remains a cornerstone of the relationship. Ms Iyer pointed to the renewed momentum around the India–EU Free Trade Agreement as a structural shift that could deepen bilateral trade while strengthening long-term industrial and investment linkages. Beyond market access, she said, the agreement reflects a shared effort to diversify supply chains and reduce systemic vulnerabilities in the global economy.
Technology and digital cooperation, according to Ms Iyer, will be decisive in shaping the next phase of India–EU ties. India’s success in deploying scalable digital public infrastructure, combined with the EU’s leadership in regulatory frameworks for data protection and emerging technologies, presents an opportunity to jointly influence global standards in an era of rapid technological disruption.
From a geopolitical standpoint, Ms Iyer underlined the growing convergence between India and the EU on Indo-Pacific stability, multilateral cooperation, and climate diplomacy. While acknowledging that regulatory and market differences persist, she emphasised that sustained dialogue and pragmatic engagement are essential to converting challenges into durable partnerships.
Looking ahead, Ms Iyer said the real measure of success for the India–EU partnership will lie in its ability to move from strategic intent to implementation — particularly in clean energy transitions, innovation ecosystems, and technology-driven growth. In a fragile global environment, she added, cooperation built on trust and long-term vision will be more valuable than short-term alignments.
To read the full interview with Ms Iyer on TV9, click here.
