EU‑India strategic trade partnership

In early July 2026 the Netherlands and India announced a strategic partnership centred on trade, investment and critical minerals, signing memoranda covering minerals and semiconductors to build resilient supply chains and promote research and ESG standards. The deal was linked to the pending India‑EU free‑trade agreement and aimed to diversify economies over the next five years.

By late July, the European Union broadened the initiative, formally designating India as a key technology partner second only to the United States. EU and Indian ministers met in Brussels to expand the EU‑India Trade and Technology Council, targeting supply‑chain diversification away from China and cooperation in semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, 6G, EV charging, pharmaceuticals, food and energy. The EU pledged to finalise the expanded framework before year‑end, signalling a deeper bloc‑level commitment beyond the earlier bilateral focus.