By Bharat Global Time Diplomacy Desk
June 11, 2025 | New Delhi / Brussels
A New Era in Global Alliances
In a historic move, India and the European Union (EU) launched their first-ever Strategic Dialogue in Brussels this week, marking a new phase in global diplomacy. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar led India’s high-powered delegation, holding deep-level talks across trade, technology, security, and space sectors.
The landmark dialogue comes amidst growing instability in the Indo-Pacific, Russia-Europe tensions, and China’s assertiveness—making the India-EU partnership a new axis of democratic resilience.
Jaishankar: “Pakistan Has Become Terroristan”
Speaking in Brussels, Dr. Jaishankar didn’t mince words. While responding to a question about regional instability, he stated:
“Let’s not pretend anymore—Pakistan is no longer just a neighbour, it’s a state sponsor of terrorism. It has effectively turned itself into Terroristan, exporting extremism, not development.”
This rare public rebuke sent ripples through diplomatic corridors. EU leaders, while more muted, acknowledged India’s concerns, with EU Commissioner for Security Policy saying, “Terrorism has no place in diplomacy. We stand with India against extremism.”
Strategic Pillars of the Dialogue
The India-EU Strategic Dialogue revolved around five key verticals:
1. Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Negotiations for the long-awaited India-EU FTA were fast-tracked.
- Target year for signing: 2026
- Focus on: Pharma, textiles, rare earths, green tech, and digital goods
- India pushed for lower tariffs on agricultural exports, while the EU asked for stronger IP protections and digital regulatory alignment.
2. Defence & Maritime Security
- India and EU agreed to joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean
- Discussions on co-development of defence platforms, including UAVs and naval drones
- India to offer defence corridors to select EU firms under the Make in India program
3. Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity
- India proposed a joint India-EU AI research fund
- Agreement to form an AI & Cyber Task Force to protect democratic institutions from disinformation and cyberwarfare
- Mutual recognition of ethical AI standards—India’s AI mission will collaborate with EU’s GDPR-aligned AI Act
4. Space Cooperation
- ISRO and the EU Space Agency to collaborate on joint satellite launches
- India invited to join EU’s Galileo navigation system as a partner
- Joint projects proposed in earth observation, space traffic management, and deep space missions
5. Climate & Indo-Pacific Strategy
- EU endorsed India’s position on freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, implicitly countering China
- Joint funding pool for green hydrogen, EVs, and climate-resilient agriculture
- India welcomed as a permanent invitee to the EU’s Global Gateway initiative
🇮🇳 Indian Perspective: Why This Dialogue Matters
This is not just another diplomatic photo-op. For India, this dialogue represents:
- Strategic diversification beyond dependence on Russia or U.S.-centric diplomacy
- Recognition as a pole of global stability and tech power
- Increased leverage against Chinese expansionism and Pakistani provocation
Voices from the Ground
“This is a strategic handshake between the world’s largest democracy and Europe’s democratic bloc,”
— Dr. Shyam Saran, former Foreign Secretary
“Calling out Pakistan as Terroristan on a European stage is bold—and long overdue.”
— Major General B.K. Sharma (Retd), Centre for Land Warfare Studies
Conclusion: From Transaction to Transformation
India-EU ties are no longer transactional—they’re transformational. With shared values, mutual threats, and aligned economic interests, this Strategic Dialogue could reshape global power equations. For India, the message is clear: we are no longer a balancing power—we are a leading power.
