India is the world’s biggest democracy and the second most populated country (1.39 billion inhabitants as of 2021). It is the third largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity and is amongst the world’s fastest-growing large economies. According to the IMF, India has an annual projected GDP growth rate of over 8%, which would make it the fastest-growing emerging economy.
Our priorities
India is a key partner for the European Union in the Asia and Pacific region. The Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP) for Asia and the Pacific 2021–2027 prioritises engagement with the country to pursue EU interests.
Cooperation between the EU and India under the programme will fall under 3 key pillars: Green Deal; sustainable growth and jobs; and governance, people, peace and security.
The main guiding policy documents in the EU’s relationship with India are the EU-India Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025, the EU Strategy on India of 2018 and the EU-India Connectivity Partnership of May 2021.
The 2025 Roadmap, adopted at the 2020 EU-India Summit, highlighted a joint commitment to increased cooperation on a wide range of key bilateral and multilateral issues. The regional MIP will promote and support the EU agenda in its relations with India and notably the implementation of the 2025 roadmap.
Our programmes
The Multiannual Indicative Programme for India amounts to €90 million until the mid-term review in 2024.
Sector 1: ‘’Green Deals’’ focuses on climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity, clean energy transition, circular economy and urban development.
Sector 2: ‘’Sustainable and Inclusive Growth’’ plans to strengthen health, digital transformation, mobility, transport, connectivity, trade, and macroeconomic policies that benefit society overall.
Sector 3: ‘’Governance, People, Peace, Security’’ advances maritime security, cyber security, peace building and conflict prevention. It will include actions countering terrorism, radicalisation and organised crime (in particular drugs and trafficking in human beings). It will enhance engagement with civil society organisations and support legal migration and mobility.