India, European Union Set Up Joint Trilateral Model for Global Development Projects

• The first meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on India–EU Trilateral Cooperation was held in New Delhi, focusing on joint development initiatives in third countries.

• The meeting was co-chaired by EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin and MEA Joint Secretary Priyanka Chauhan.

• India and the EU agreed to work with partner countries based on shared values, mutual interests and common development priorities under a collaborative trilateral framework.

• Separately, industry leaders and policymakers stressed the need for an early conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement to boost exports, strengthen supply chains and attract long-term investment.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 22nd Jan: India and the European Union have taken a major step towards deepening their strategic partnership by agreeing on a trilateral framework for global development cooperation. The decision was finalised during the first meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) for India–EU Trilateral Cooperation, held in the national capital.

The meeting, described as a milestone in India–EU relations, was co-chaired by European Union Ambassador to India Herve Delphin and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Joint Secretary Priyanka Chauhan. Senior officials from both sides participated in detailed discussions on expanding cooperation in third countries and creating joint mechanisms to address development challenges worldwide.

Focus on Shared Values and Priorities

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the JSC reaffirmed India and the EU’s commitment to working together under a collaborative trilateral model. The committee agreed on modalities to jointly design and implement development cooperation projects in partner countries.

According to Jaiswal, India and the EU will engage with partner nations on the basis of shared values, mutual interests and common developmental priorities. The cooperation will focus on identified priority sectors and regions, ensuring that development initiatives are demand-driven, inclusive and sustainable.

Strengthening the Strategic Partnership

Officials noted that the trilateral framework reflects the growing convergence between India and the EU on global development issues. By pooling expertise, financial resources and technological capabilities, both sides aim to deliver more effective development outcomes in regions facing critical socio-economic challenges.

The initiative is also seen as aligning with India’s emphasis on South-South cooperation and the EU’s global development agenda, reinforcing their roles as responsible global partners.

Push for Early India–EU FTA

Meanwhile, parallel discussions highlighted the urgency of concluding the long-pending India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Indian industry leaders, policymakers and diplomats made a strong case for an early agreement, calling it crucial for export growth, supply-chain resilience and long-term investment amid rising global economic uncertainty.

These views were voiced at a high-level dialogue titled ‘India-EU Summit: FTA and the Road Ahead’, jointly organised by the Chintan Research Foundation and the Centre for Global India Insights at the India International Centre.

Momentum from Davos

The dialogue took place against the backdrop of renewed political momentum on the India–EU FTA following recent engagements at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Participants underlined that a timely conclusion of the trade pact would significantly strengthen economic ties and complement the expanding strategic and developmental cooperation between India and the EU.

With the launch of the trilateral cooperation framework and renewed push for the FTA, India–EU relations appear set to enter a more comprehensive and action-oriented phase in the coming months.