The EU is moving closer to India despite the embrace of Modi, Xi and Putin.

BrusselsThe EU is more alone than ever. It is a power that, having laid down its weapons, has been growing and increasing its influence across the globe through trade relations. However, the imperialism of Vladimir Putin's regime, the return of Donald Trump, and the growing Chinese threat have made the European bloc's playing field increasingly limited. It is in this context that Brussels is looking for alternative allies under the rocks and, even if they have significant flaws, is willing to sign new major trade agreements, like the one being negotiated with India.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, spoke this Wednesday with the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to congratulate him on his 75th anniversary, and both parties reaffirmed their commitment to moving towards a trade pact and are confident of closing it before the end. "Now is the time to redouble efforts to establish alliances based on shared interests and common values," the community leader tweeted.

In fact, last week several representatives of the European Commission met with Indian authorities and this Wednesday the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, and the European Commissioner for Trade, Maroš Šefčovič, assured in a press conference that the discussions are on the right track and that they are getting closer to completion. However, the European Commission acknowledged the good relationship between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin, and India's adoption of a neutral role in the face of Russian aggression against Ukraine poses a stumbling block in the negotiations. "Our problems in the relationship are very clear, and we are addressing them in our negotiations," the European Foreign Minister stated.

This new step in the rapprochement between the two powers comes precisely after the President of the United States publicly pressured the European Union to apply restrictions against China and India as part of the 19th sanctions package they are negotiating against Russia. However, Brussels, for the moment, does not want to adopt such an aggressive tone against Beijing, much less against New Delhi, which would leave it even more at the mercy of its trade relations with the United States.

Greater defense cooperation

Despite differences over the war in Ukraine, both sides announced Wednesday that they also intend to include a section on defense in the trade agreement and strengthen their security cooperation. With this agreement, Brussels aims to improve its fight against "hybrid threats" and, among others, "Russian ghost ship fleets," it said in a statement. Furthermore, it aims to increase international pressure on Putin over the war in Ukraine and prevent him from evading EU sanctions. However, it remains to be seen to what extent New Delhi will side with Brussels, especially after seeing the images and the good relationship between Modi and Putin this summer. Also noteworthy is the rapprochement between India and China.

Beyond defense, Brussels remains primarily interested in importing essential materials and products to boost European clean industry, such as electric batteries, chemicals, diamonds, and digital services. Furthermore, the EU is pushing to reduce India's tariffs on European imports, allowing it to export cars, alcoholic beverages, and various agricultural products more cheaply. For its part, New Delhi aims to give Indian workers easier access to the EU labor market and some kind of advantage in its main exports to the European bloc, such as clothing, steel, petroleum products, electrical machinery, and pharmaceutical products, among others.