A mature diplomacy is all about building bridges and exploring opportunities in disasters. From non-alignment to multi-alignment, Indian diplomacy has evolved with time. However, given the current geopolitical trends, it is time for India to explore non-traditional alignments to further its strategic interests. Europe has been one such ground that is still largely unscaled. The Indian administration has consistently tried to gain ground in Europe and build a mutually beneficial partnership with European nations. The European Union is India’s third-largest trading partner, accounting for around 11% of India’s total trade. The two sides have also been negotiating to finalise a free trade agreement. Apart from trade and economics, Europe is also a top destination for Indian migrants. Hence, it’s pertinent for India to build close ties with its European counterparts. This piece will discuss the need for and potential partnerships for India within Europe.
Also Read, The Indian Dilemma: Can Russia Be Trusted?
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR INDIA IN EUROPE
Defence and Security Cooperation: India’s quest to modernise its military proficiency is a significant driver in its choice of strategic partners. Defence acquisitions, technology transfers, and joint military exercises are key components of partnerships. Strengthening defence ties with European partners is a key priority for India. France, the UK, Germany, and Italy are vital in this regard. India is looking to enhance its defence procurement from Europe; this is particularly important to shift overdependence on the US and Russia. Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific and cyber security are also emerging areas of cooperation.
Economic and Trade Relations: Europe is an economic powerhouse, and that makes it a critical economic partner for India. Furthermore, exploring new trade avenues and advancing trade agreements, such as the FTA with the EU and the UK, is a major priority for Indian foreign policy. These agreements would boost investment flows, open up new markets, and enhance cooperation in key sectors like manufacturing, exchanging trade practices, and sustainable development.
Technology and Digital Cooperation: Europe’s expertise in advanced technologies—such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital governance. India’s being a victim of cyberattacks from China and Pakistan makes Europe a valuable partner for India’s growth and data security. Strategic partnerships with countries like Germany and the EU are crucial for India’s push towards digital transformation. Furthermore, the India-EU Digital Partnership seeks to foster collaboration in emerging technologies, with a focus on ensuring secure and sustainable digital ecosystems.
Climate Action and Sustainability: Climate change is a bitter reality. India’s being the most probable nation to suffer its consequences makes climate change a major focus of India’s strategic partnerships in Europe. Countries like France, Germany, and the Nordic nations are leaders in renewable energy and climate resilience, areas that align with India’s goals under the Paris Agreement. Collaborations in green technology, clean energy, and water management are critical components of these partnerships. The India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership facilitates cooperation in areas such as solar energy, smart grids, and the circular economy.
Multilateral Engagement: Along with bilateral engagements, India is also focussing on multilateral engagements with European nations. India is increasingly engaging with European partners on global platforms, such as the United Nations, G20, and COP summits. This multilateral engagement allows India to advance its interests in global governance, trade, and climate action, while also fostering greater cooperation on shared challenges like terrorism, pandemics, and cybersecurity.
KEY EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIPS IN FOCUS
FRANCE
India and France enjoy a robust strategic partnership. France has proven to be a reliable partner for India across multiple dimensions—defence, strategic cooperation, energy, climate action, and technology. The Rafale jet deal marked a major milestone in India-France relations, showcasing trust and a long-term defence collaboration. Furthermore, major French companies, including Dassault Aviation, Alstom, and Schneider Electric, have significant investments in India, contributing to the Make in India initiative and infrastructure development. In the energy sector, two countries signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement in 2008 to supply nuclear reactors and technology to India. But most importantly, both nations share a commitment to strategic autonomy. This means both countries value the freedom to make independent decisions based on their national interests without undue external influence. This mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty strengthens the bilateral relationship and allows both nations to collaborate on global and regional issues.
GERMANY
Germany is the economic powerhouse of Europe, and this is also reflected in the Indo-German partnership. It is India’s largest trading partner in the European Union and one of its biggest investors. Bilateral trade between the two countries accounts for $24 billion (as of 2023), with both sides looking to increase this further. German companies, such as Volkswagen, Siemens, Bosch, and BASF, have a significant presence in India, contributing to the country’s industrial development. Furthermore, both nations maintain a robust dialogue on security issues, including in areas like cyber security, counterterrorism, and maritime security. India and Germany also share the mutual goal of freedom of navigation and openness in the Indo-Pacific. Recently, Germany released its first-ever Indo-Pacific strategy. It reflected Germany’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the region. Moreover, it highlighted the importance of the Indo-German partnership in fulfilling its objectives.
UNITED KINGDOM
India and the United Kingdom (UK) share a long history of engagement. India-UK partnership has evolved from a colonial past to a robust and multifaceted partnership. The relationship between the two countries spans trade, investment, defence, education, and people-to-people ties. The core of the India-UK partnership is trade and investment, with the UK being India’s largest trading partner in Europe. The bilateral trade between the two accounts for around $19 billion in 2023, which is expected to double by 2030. Another key component of this partnership is the ongoing negotiation of a free trade agreement (FTA). In the defence sector, both countries are engaged in several prospects. The UK’s Rolls-Royce is one of the top contenders for India’s indigenous jet engine project. Furthermore, India and the UK engage in joint military exercises on counterterrorism, climate change, and cybersecurity.
THE INDIAN CONUNDRUM: QUEST FOR NON-TRADITIONAL PARTNERSHIP
India’s quest for non-traditional partnerships stems from the fact that one cannot put all its eggs in one basket. Indeed, India enjoys strategic partnerships with Russia and the US, which could be said to be its traditional partnerships. However, given the present scenario, with Russia engulfed in Ukraine and the US engulfed in the Palestinian crisis, India has to watch out for other options. Furthermore, India needs a partner on whom it can rely without fear of external influence. With Russia, India always has to stress over Western sanctions. On the other hand, with America, there is a trust deficit between the two, which hinders a full-length engagement with the two. Instances like the US interference in India’s domestic affairs, like during the CAA protest or the recent Nijjar assassination, widens the trust deficit between India and America. Hence, it’s only natural for India to venture out for other options.
India needs a partner who’s on an equal footing and could contribute to India’s development roadmap. From the aforementioned nations, France seems to be a promising bet for fulfilling India’s strategic goals. France being a permanent member of the UNSC provides India with an additional veto over Russia. Being the sole nuclear power in the EU with proven nuclear submarine technology, France provides India with an opportunity to develop its defence sector through collaborations and technology transfers. Furthermore, unlike the UK and Germany or other European nations like Italy or Spain, France is free from American influence. Germany and the UK are like satellite states of the US, with US boots on their soil. Developing a strategic partnership with them would only risk sabotaging the partnership because of US meddling. Furthermore, apart from individual partnerships, India must follow the policy of engagement with all and alliance with none.
CONCLUSION
India’s options for strategic partners in Europe are diverse and multifaceted. From defence cooperation with France and the UK to technology collaboration with Germany, Europe offers India a wide range of opportunities to advance its global strategic interests. As India continues to assert its role on the world stage, deepening partnerships with key European nations will be crucial for its long-term growth and security. This goes hand-in-hand with India’s doctrine of strategic autonomy. The optimum policy would be to focus on self-growth while maintaining close-knit partnerships to achieve its long-term objectives. It is pertinent for India to renounce alliances, which might hamper its geopolitical calculations. Europe stands to be the area of particular interest, and India must make consistent efforts to exploit emerging opportunities. Avoiding overdependence on any single engagement and promoting self-reliance must be the mantra for India’s foreign policy in these testing times.
