Who was Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr? Remains of US soldier who fell off cliff in Morocco found in oceanLt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., an Air Defense Artillery officer, was found dead after going missing during the African Lion military exercise in Morocco. Published on: May 11
A body found in New South Wales is thought to be that of a man wanted over the murder of three people in a small Australian town in January. Julian Ingram was on bail for domestic violence offences at the time of the killings of his pregnant ex-partner Sophie Quinn
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay visited former Chief Minister MK Stalin at his residence. This meeting occurs days before the government faces a crucial floor test in the Assembly. Vijay also met MDMK founder Vaiko. The visit follows recent sharp criticism from Vijay regarding the state's
A new rural employment law, the VB-G RAM G Act, will replace MGNREGA on July 1. The government states it offers 125 days of guaranteed wage employment and aims for rural transformation. The Congress party criticizes the move, calling it an exercise in centralisation
Barcelona turned the Clasico into a coronation on Sunday (May 10, 2026), swatting aside Real Madrid 2-0 at a roaring Camp Nou to claim their 29th LaLiga title. Hansi Flick’s side moved to an unassailable 91 points, 14 clear of second-placed Real with three games remaining
EU-India partnership set for upgrade
EU-India partnership set for upgrade
The European Union has set out a plan to upgrade its strategic ties with India, even as it warned that India's military exercises with Russia and its purchase of Russian oil are risks to the growing strategic ties between Brussels and New Delhi.
The European Commission and the EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas released ‘A New Strategic EU-India Agenda' on Wednesday (September 17, 2025) in Brussels, and urged the European Parliament and Council (i.e., the heads of member states) to adopt it.
Ms. Kallas called India a “crucial” partner for the EU, as she outlined the strategy that encompassed trade, technology, security, defence and climate. She was speaking at a televised press conference in Brussels on Wednesday (September 17, 2025).
The document declared that “the EU and India have the potential and determination to shape one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century”.
Brussels and New Delhi are in the midst of negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA), with the EU's trade chief Maroš Šefčovič visiting New Delhi last week for talks with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
“We are also negotiating an agreement of exchange of classified information and deepening ties between defence industry [sic],” Ms. Kallas said, adding that there were hesitations here among the College of Commissioners (comprised of Commissioners from the 27 EU countries).
With Russia escalating its attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, the Europeans are grappling with how to navigate New Delhi's closeness to Moscow.
“India's participation in Russia's military exercises and its purchase of Russian oil stand in the way of closer ties, because ultimately, our partnership is not only about trade, but also about defending rules-based international order,” Ms. Kallas said.
“It is of utmost importance to the EU that any enablement of the war be curtailed,” the strategy document says.
The negotiations with New Delhi would address these challenges with the aim of adopting a joint roadmap at the next EU-India summit in early 2026, according to Ms. Kallas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “delighted” by the adoption of the new strategic document.
“We remain committed to an early and peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict,” he said, reflecting on his phone call on Wednesday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
India and the EU have been seeking to bolster ties in the face of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and challenges in their trade relationships with the U.S. The Trump administration has slapped a 25% tariff on India (in addition to a ‘reciprocal' tariff of 25%), straining ties between New Delhi and Washington. The relationship has begun to show signs of thawing in recent days; U.S. President Donald Trump phoned Mr. Modi for his birthday on Tuesday.
Trade between India and the EU has grown over 90% in the last decade, Mr. Šefčovič said at Wednesday's press conference, but the two sides had just “scratched the surface”, according to the Commissioner. Brussels and New Delhi are hoping to conclude a trade deal by the end of the year.
Mr. Šefčovič said he was in frequent touch with Mr. Goyal but wished that there had been “more progress” on talks during his visit to New Delhi last week. He also said that Indian trade negotiators have a reputation for being “tough”.
On the question of agricultural tariffs, Mr. Sefcovic said that the issue was not about numbers but rather about whether what was being offered was commercially meaningful, after taking into account tariff and non-tariff barriers. He cited India's Qualitative Control Orders (QCOs) as an example and said they were something the EU should consider in its negotiations.
The 14th round of trade talks is due to take place in Brussels from October 6-10.
Quizzed specifically on India's participation in the recent Zapad-2025 military exercises led by Russia, Ms. Kallas said she had spoken to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday. She reiterated that exercises with Russia and buying oil were issues to the relationship.
“The question is always whether we leave this void to be filled by somebody else. So we try to fill it ourselves,” she said in response to the question on cooperation with India. She responded similarly, when quizzed on India's apparent détente with China.
The College of Commissioners had agreed that the EU should deepen ties with India to “not really push them into Russia's corner”.
Ms. Kallas cited the principle of ‘nothing is agreed until everything is agreed' several times, including when asked about how the trade talks would be impacted if India did not take on board the EU's concerns regarding Russia.
Published - September 17, 2025 09:47 pm IST
international relations / European Union
Source: The Hindu
Related Posts: European Union unveils new vision for strategic relations with India India, France upgrade ties to ‘special global strategic partnership’ European Union opens investigation into Musks AI chatbot Grok over sexual deepfakes Elon Musk Says European Union How European Union Trade Bolsters Russia’s War Chest Will European Union give ground on 2035 combustion-engine ban European Union agrees to double steel import tariffs to 50% to curb cheap inflows from China India, New Zealand Boost Defence Ties, Strategic Dialogue Takes Flight India-Russia Ties Strategic Amazon announces biggest ever layoffs at its European headquarters
Google has settled with Black employees who alleged systemic racial disparities in hiring, pay, and advancement in a lawsuit filed in 2022. April Curley, a former Google employee, had sued the tech giant for racial discrimination, saying it engages in a “pattern and practice” of unfair
1 days ago
It’s safe to say Max Verstappen’s latest racing adventure has taken the motorsport world by storm. The four-time F1 World Champion is set to compete in the iconic 24 Hours of Nurburgring later this month — and the hype surrounding his appearance has already pushed the event to a complete
1 days ago
Beijing has confirmed that US President Donald Trump will travel to China this week to meet Xi Jinping. The visit, from 13-15 May, will be the first to China by a US president in nearly a decade - and comes at a pivotal moment for ties between the world's two largest economies
1 days ago
With rising temperatures in numerous cities of India, air conditioners have emerged once again as one of the biggest categories at the ongoing Amazon Great Summer Sale on day 4 for buyers. Several brands are offering attractive deals on inverter split ACs, smart and Wi-Fi enabled units
1 days ago
Kyle Busch update: Why did NASCAR star seek medical attention after Watkins Glen Cup Series race? Concerns pour inKyle Busch requested medical assistance during the Go Bowling at The Glen while racing in the top five. Published on: May 11, 2026 4:33 PM IST By Shweta Kukreti Share via Copy link
1 days ago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens to cut fuel consumption, avoid gold purchases and adopt other measures to help the country withstand global economic uncertainties amid the West Asia conflict were “proofs of failure”, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Monday
1 days ago
If you opened X (formerly Twitter) today, you likely saw a name topping the charts that isn’t a politician, a cricketer, or a movie star. Instead, India is currently obsessed with two people most of the internet didn’t know yesterday: Mohan and Pooja.If you opened X (formerly Twitter) today
1 days ago
A French woman and two Americans tested positive or showed symptoms of hantavirus on Monday (May 11, 2026) as nations around the world scrambled to repatriate passengers from a cruise ship hit by an outbreak and quarantine or isolate them. Passengers from the ship began flying home aboard military
1 days ago
Isabella Stroupe GoFundMe: Family speaks out after North Carolina teen tortured, killed by BF, ‘Just like a nightmare…’A GoFundMe has been launched for Isabella Alexandria Stroupe, a 19-year-old who was found dead inside a North Carolina home. Her boyfriend has been arrested
1 days ago
P6, fastest lap: Racing prodigy Atiqa Mir makes big impact on 'dream' FIA Karting debutP6, fastest lap: Racing prodigy Atiqa Mir makes big impact on 'dream' FIA Karting debut Published on: May 11, 2026 3:38 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Valencia
1 days ago
After taking oath as West Bengal Chief Minister on May 9, 2026, Suvendu Adhikari chaired his first Cabinet meeting on Monday (May 11, 2026) and said his government has granted transfer of land to the BSF for erecting a fence along the Bangladesh border and approved immediate implementation of the
1 days ago
Constantly multitasking and exhausted? Therapist reveals 5 practices for mothers to prevent burnoutMothers often ignore their mental health, which gradually builds up and causes burnout. Know how to protect maternal mental well-being. Published on: May 11
1 days ago
When tech companies are firing employees at an accelerating pace and AI eating away those jobs that have until now been done by humans only, Nvidia founder Jensen Huang has tried to play down doomsday fears of youngsters by saying that ‘it’s the ideal time to enter the workforce’
1 days ago
Daily essential products such as soaps, detergents, biscuits, packaged foods, and beverages are expected to get costlier as leading FMCG companies are preparing for calibrated price hikes on account of rising crude-linked inflation, higher packaging costs
1 days ago
CBSE (Central Bureau of Secondary Education) results for Class 12 2026 are being eagerly awaited by millions of students across the country. Approximately 18 lakh students are reported to have appeared for the exam in the 2026 academic session across Science
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.10 vacuum cleaners that let you clean your entire home without breaking a sweatDiscover 10 vacuum cleaners with strong suction, wet and dry cleaning
1 days ago
Moments after Austria overtook Israel to win last May's Eurovision Song Contest and in doing so won the right to host this year's event, UK viewers heard commentator Graham Norton say organisers "will be breathing the largest sigh of relief that they're not faced with a Tel Aviv final next year"
1 days ago
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Monday that his government, in its first Cabinet meeting, gave its nod for land to be transferred to the Border Security Force to erect a fence along the border with Bangladesh, PTI reported
1 days ago
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday directed the state police chief to investigate a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act case filed against Bandi Bhagirath, the son of Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar. The chief minister “questioned” Director General of Police CV
1 days ago
As AI reshapes hiring and workforce expectations, colleges are entering a new competitive landscape where rankings alone are no longer enough. Institutions are increasingly being judged on employability, technological relevance, industry alignment, and future readiness
1 days ago
The Indian stock market fell about 1.5% on Monday amid higher global oil prices and concerns about the economic impact of the conflict in West Asia on India’s economy. The benchmark Sensex had fallen more than 1,300 points, or nearly 1.7%, at the end of the session
1 days ago
Pune to have India’s first Low Emission Zone, tourist hotspots to followIn a first for an Indian city, Pune will institutionalise a low-emission zone (LEZ) in its most polluted area, Shivajinagar in the central business district, potentially creating a template for other Indian cities
1 days ago
It’s safe to say Marcus Rashford is enjoying life in Catalonia. After arriving at Barcelona on loan from Manchester United, the England forward has rediscovered both his confidence and his spark under Hansi Flick. But on Sunday night, Rashford delivered his biggest moment yet on the grandest
1 days ago
The New Age Aspirant: Competitive exams, content, and confusionAspirants have easier access to lectures, test series than ever before. Information is no longer scarce, and that has quietly changed the way students prepare. Published on: May 11
1 days ago
Dehradun YouTuber Himadri Patel shares no 1 tip for negotiating brand deals and 1 mistake costing content creators moneyHimadri Patel says that the secret to a sustainable income isn't just about high views — it’s about treating your brand like a business from day one. Published on: May 11
1 days ago
Amitabh Bachchan asks his security to behave well with fans who come to meet outside Jalsa: ‘Janta janardhan hoti hai’Amitabh Bachchan has kept the tradition of meeting fans outside his Mumbai bungalow, Jalsa, for many years now. May 11, 2026
1 days ago
Watch: Bengaluru IT couple swims from Sri Lanka to India in 11 hours, internet calls them 'Legends'The clip showed the pair battling rough waves, strong currents and changing winds throughout the journey. Published on: May 11, 2026 4:16 PM IST By Bhavya Sukheja Share via Copy link For most people
1 days ago
