Photo Credit: x.com/EUAmbIndia
India and the European Union on June 4 launched their first-ever Tech Business Forum in New Delhi, bringing together more than 100 companies, policymakers and technology leaders to strengthen cooperation in strategic sectors including semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data governance and digital infrastructure.
Held under the framework of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), the forum marked a significant step in advancing the technology partnership outlined in the Comprehensive Strategic Agenda Towards 2030, endorsed by Indian and European leaders earlier this year. The initiative aims to foster deeper private-sector engagement and create new opportunities for innovation, investment and technology collaboration between the two partners.
The event was jointly organised by the European Union Delegation to India and Bhutan and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), with support from the Federation of European Business in India (FEBI) and the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM).
Among those attending were EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin, Ambassadors of Lithuania and Sweden, and representatives from Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, alongside senior Indian government officials and industry leaders.
Over 100 companies discuss emerging technologies
According to an EU statement, the forum brought together more than 100 European and Indian technology companies to explore opportunities for collaboration in critical and emerging technologies.
“Over 100 European and Indian tech companies took part in discussions on areas of advanced technologies including semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data governance and digital public infrastructure, focusing on how to boost private sector collaboration. Participants explored ways to strengthen interoperability, cooperate on standards, and facilitate market access, aiming to unlock new opportunities for businesses in both regions. The forum also emphasised the importance of co-creation across industry, research, and innovation ecosystems, marking the beginning of a more action-driven phase of TTC cooperation,” the statement said.
Discussions focused on strengthening interoperability, cooperation on technology standards and facilitating market access for companies operating in both regions. Participants also explored ways to deepen collaboration between industry, research institutions and innovation ecosystems.
Supporting digital trade and technology cooperation
The EU said the forum would serve as a mechanism to operationalise the Administrative Arrangement on Advanced Electronic Signatures and Seals signed under the TTC in January 2026, helping facilitate business-to-business cooperation and digital transactions between India and the EU.
The statement also highlighted the role of the European Legal Gateway Office in India, launched earlier this year, in supporting the mobility of Indian ICT professionals, researchers and students to Europe and contributing to the EU’s Digital Decade target of reaching 20 million ICT specialists by 2030.
India positioned as a strategic technology partner
The EU described India as a key strategic partner due to its rapidly expanding digital economy, large-scale digital public infrastructure and growing ambitions in semiconductors, telecommunications and artificial intelligence.
“India’s rapidly expanding digital economy, characterised by its large-scale digital public infrastructure, vibrant innovation ecosystem, and ambitious national initiatives in semiconductors, telecoms, and AI, positions it as a strategic partner for the EU. Together, both regions are well-placed to shape global digital standards and frameworks, ensuring that technological advancements are inclusive, secure, and beneficial for all,” the statement said.
The statement added that both sides share a commitment to using digital technologies to strengthen competitiveness, promote trusted governance and build resilient value chains.
‘Trusted partners like India are essential’
Addressing the forum, EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin stressed the importance of trusted international partnerships in an increasingly fragmented global environment.
“In today’s fragmented world, working with trusted partners like India is essential to diversify supply chains and reduce over-reliance on certain sources and geographies. Europe brings strengths in advanced technology, innovation and regulation, while India offers scale, talent, and dynamic technological applications. We have shared principles on data privacy and people-centred technology. The Trade and Technology Council reflects our joint determination to make our ecosystems work together and harness our complementarities. Businesses, researchers, and investors have a key role in turning policies into concrete realisations.”
Amb. Delphin added that the forum demonstrated the significant potential of India-EU technology cooperation, noting that together the two partners account for roughly a quarter of the world’s population and economic output.
Building resilient supply chains
S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said India and the EU share both values and responsibilities in shaping the future of technology.
“When we talk about trust in partnership, India and the EU stand on common ground – not just as allies, but as architects of a future where technology serves humanity, not the other way around. This is more than shared values; it’s a shared responsibility. In a world where resilience depends on diversified supply chains, our collaboration isn’t just strategic, it’s essential and can deliver real global impact.”
In his closing remarks, Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted the growing strategic significance of the relationship. “In this evolving landscape, the India EU partnership stands out for its predictability, credibility and strategic depth.”
Technology partnership gains momentum
The Tech Business Forum forms part of the broader India-EU Trade and Technology Council, the principal mechanism for cooperation on digital governance, connectivity, semiconductors and emerging technologies.
The outcomes of the forum are expected to help shape the next phase of India-EU collaboration in technology, innovation and digital trade, with businesses and research institutions playing a central role in transforming policy objectives into practical partnerships and commercial opportunities.
