Committee on Foreign Affairs delegation concludes visit to India

In New Delhi, foreign affairs MEPs met their counterparts to discuss strengthening economic, security and defence cooperation with India, an increasingly important EU partner.

Eight MEPs, led by Committee on Foreign Affairs chair David McAllister (EPP, Germany), visited New Delhi, India, from 26 to 28 October 2026. The MEPs held meetings with the External Affairs Minister, the Secretary for Defence, and with members of the Indian Parliament, including the speaker of the Lok Sabha, the chair of the Rajya Sabha and vice-president of India, and the chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs.

Building on the outcomes of the 16th EU–India summit of 26 January 2026, the MEPs and their Indian counterparts reaffirmed their commitment to further advance the EU–India strategic partnership, the EU-India security and defence partnership, the free trade agreement and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Head of delegation David McAllister emphasised that, as partners committed to effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order, India and the EU should work together to strengthen international stability, resilience and shared prosperity. The success of this ambitious agenda will ultimately depend on effective implementation, translating political commitments into tangible benefits for citizens, businesses and both economies, while promoting effective multilateralism and upholding an international order grounded in international law and human rights.

The MEPs also exchanged views with EU Member States’ representatives and engaged with think tanks, non-governmental organisations and business representatives to gain deeper insights into political and geopolitical developments in India and the Indo-Pacific region more widely.

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Head of delegation David McAllister said: “India is an increasingly important strategic partner for the EU. In the current geopolitical context, strengthening our partnership is more important than ever. India and the EU have taken significant steps forward, notably through the joint comprehensive strategic agenda, the security and defence partnership and the free trade agreement. Now, we must build on this momentum, deepen our cooperation, and work together to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. A stronger EU–India partnership will benefit both sides and contribute to a more stable and secure world.”