On 8-10 October, EUISS co-hosted the 2025 EU-India Strategic Dialogue in Brussels with the Ananta Centre-Delhi and Institut Montaigne.
This closed-door Track 1.5 event brought together senior policymakers, experts, and business leaders from both sides for two days of in-depth discussions on the evolving geopolitical environment, strategic trust, and the practical next steps to strengthen EU-India cooperation.
Discussions reflected a rapidly evolving global context, with both India and the EU reassessing their strategic outlooks and exploring new avenues for collaboration amid growing geopolitical complexity. Participants highlighted the potential for flexible, “mini-lateral” formats to advance shared interests and uphold the rules-based order.
Technology and defence cooperation featured as key areas of convergence, with participants stressing the importance of trusted partnerships in AI, cyber, space, and defence industrial cooperation. Economic dialogue focused on the need for a pragmatic, sectoral approach to deepen trade and investment, particularly in critical raw materials, green technology, and resilient supply chains.
Mobility and migration were recognised as sensitive yet promising areas of engagement, with targeted legal migration pathways identified as potential confidence-building measures. At the same time, differing strategic perspectives highlighted the need for sustained trust-building and frank exchange.
The Dialogue reaffirmed that EU-India cooperation is entering a more mature and strategic phase anchored in realism, shared values, and a growing mutual confidence.
