At the end of the third Trade and Technology Council (TTC), held on Wednesday 15 July, the European Union and India agreed to deepen their partnership by focusing on strengthening strategic value chains, developing critical technologies and increasing cooperation between their businesses.
Digital. In particular, the two partners intend to develop their own cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) models. “We are looking at how we could join forces on computing capacity in order to offer better opportunities to our businesses and researchers, carry out joint projects, and train and develop AI systems”, explained European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen. The first projects will focus in particular on the health sector. “We want to move forward with trustworthy, inclusive and bias-free AI”, added India’s Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada.
Semiconductors, a technology seen as essential for the green and digital transitions, are another major area of cooperation. “We want to develop our own capacities within the European Union, but also to work with our trusted partners”, Ms Virkkunen stressed. Moreover, New Delhi approved a new programme on semiconductors on Wednesday, providing for more than $13 billion in aid to accelerate domestic production, according to AFP.
Research. Brussels and New Delhi also decided to launch official negotiations with a view to India’s association with the Horizon Europe programme, with the aim of concluding them by the end of 2026. This flagship Union programme funds research projects in which several third countries are already taking part. “India is a very important partner for us because we know that the country has a considerable pool of highly qualified talent”, Commissioner Virkkunen stressed to the press.
In addition, the two sides announced the creation of a first EU-India innovation hub devoted to electric vehicle charging technologies, as well as the launch of a partnership for startups, centred on advanced clean technologies.
Trade. On the trade front, the European Union and India reaffirmed their commitment to reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO). “Our shared commitment to a rules-based, open, inclusive and non-discriminatory WTO will help us advance the organisation’s work”, declared Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal.
The two blocs also confirmed their desire to seal “as soon as possible” a bilateral investment protection agreement. “I sincerely hope that we can conclude it, all being well, before the end of the year”, Jitin Prasada said. (Original version in French by Juliette Verdes)