EU and India deepen digital cooperation at the 16th EU–India Summit
The 16th EU–India Summit in New Delhi placed digital cooperation at the centre of the bilateral relationship. Leaders announced new initiatives covering cybersecurity, emerging technologies, research, digital skills, and connectivity, signalling a more structured approach to EU–India collaboration on digital policy and infrastructure.
The European Union and India used their 16th Summit to expand cooperation in areas directly linked to digital policy, technology development, and digital security. Alongside broader trade and security discussions, several summit outcomes focused on how digital systems, data, and innovation frameworks will be aligned in the coming years.
A central element of the summit was the commitment to deepen cooperation on emerging and critical technologies. This includes plans to establish EU–India Innovation Hubs and to launch an EU–India Startup Partnership, aimed at supporting collaboration between research institutions, technology companies, and early-stage ventures. The two sides also renewed their Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation until 2030 and initiated exploratory talks on India’s possible association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s main research and innovation programme. If pursued, this would enable closer participation by Indian researchers and institutions in EU-funded research projects.
Cybersecurity and digital resilience featured prominently through the signing of an EU–India Security and Defence Partnership. Within its digital scope, the partnership provides a framework for cooperation on countering cyber threats and hybrid risks. Leaders also launched negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement, which would allow the exchange of classified information under agreed safeguards. This step is intended to support deeper operational cooperation, including in technology-related security initiatives.
Digital skills and workforce mobility were addressed through a new EU–India framework on mobility and skills cooperation. The framework includes measures to support skills development and mutual understanding of qualifications, with a particular focus on information and communication technologies. A European Legal Gateway Office to be established in India will initially focus on providing information about opportunities in the ICT sector, before potentially expanding to other fields.
Connectivity was another area with digital implications. The EU and India reaffirmed their intention to cooperate on digital connectivity and infrastructure, including within the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. This includes cooperation on resilient and secure digital networks and support for connectivity projects in the Indo-Pacific and in third countries across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
