India-EU Relations: Milestones in Chronological Order

This list highlights some of the major and minor milestones in India-EU relations, with explanations of their context and importance.

1. 1962: Establishment of diplomatic relations

• Context: Following India's independence and the formation of the European Economic Community (EEC).
• Importance: Marked the beginning of formal diplomatic engagement, paving the way for future cooperation.

2. 1981: First Commercial Cooperation Agreement

• Context: Aiming to boost bilateral trade and economic ties.
• Importance: Signified growing economic engagement and established a framework for future trade agreements.

3. 1994: Cooperation Agreement

• Context: Broadened cooperation beyond trade to include areas like development, science, and technology.
• Importance: Deepened the relationship, recognizing shared interests and values.

4. 2000: EU-India Summits Instituted

• Context: To elevate and institutionalize dialogue at the highest political level.
• Importance: Provided a regular platform for leaders to discuss key issues and shape the bilateral agenda.

5. 2004: Strategic Partnership Launched

• Context: Recognition of India's growing global stature and shared commitment to multilateralism.
• Importance: Elevated the relationship beyond traditional areas, encompassing political dialogue and security cooperation.

6. 2008: Joint Action Plan Adopted

• Context: To provide a concrete roadmap for deepening the strategic partnership across various sectors.
• Importance: Demonstrated a shared vision and commitment to practical cooperation in areas like counter-terrorism and climate change.

7. 2012: Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) launched

• Context: Aiming to boost trade and investment by reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
• Importance: Represents a potentially transformative step in economic ties but faces ongoing challenges.

8. 2016: EU recognizes India as a “Strategic Trade Partner”

• Context: Reflecting the growing importance of bilateral trade and investment.
• Importance: Signaled the EU’s commitment to enhance economic ties with India.

9. 2017: EU Global Strategy identifies India as a key partner

• Context: Highlights India's importance for the EU in addressing global challenges.
• Importance: Underscores India's role in the EU's vision for a rules-based global order.

10. 2020: EU-India virtual summit amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

• Context: Demonstrating resilience and commitment to dialogue even in challenging times.
• Importance: Reflected shared priorities in pandemic response and highlighted areas for future cooperation, like healthcare and digital technology.

11. 2021: EU-India Connectivity Partnership launched

• Context: Aiming to enhance connectivity between Europe and Asia, promoting sustainable infrastructure development.
• Importance: Strengthens economic ties and presents an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

12. 2022: Relaunched negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

• Context: Re-energized efforts to finalize the long-stalled trade deal.
• Importance: Signals continued commitment to enhancing economic ties and creating new opportunities for businesses and people in both regions.

13. 2023: First India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting

• Context: Aimed at strengthening cooperation on strategic technologies and supply chains.
• Importance: A crucial step towards building trust and aligning approaches on critical technologies, promoting innovation and economic resilience.

These milestones highlight the steady growth of India-EU relations over the decades. The future holds both opportunities and challenges as both sides navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. However, the shared commitment to multilateralism, democratic values, and a rules-based order provides a strong foundation for continued cooperation and deepening ties in the years to come.