India, EU Share Common Vision for a Resilient Multipolar World: Radhakrishnan
Vice President calls for stronger strategic, trade and technology ties with the European Union, expressing hope for the early signing of the proposed free trade agreement.
NEW DELHI, Oct 28: India and the European Union share a common interest in building a resilient multipolar global order, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan said on Wednesday during a meeting with a delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Highlighting the steady expansion of bilateral relations, Radhakrishnan said cooperation between the two sides had advanced significantly across multiple sectors in recent years. He credited the leadership in India and the EU for providing direction and momentum to the partnership.
He observed that India and the European Union, as two major democratic entities with open market economies and diverse, pluralistic societies, were well positioned to contribute to a stable and balanced international system.
The Vice President also underlined the importance of institutional cooperation established following the 2025 visit of the European Commission’s College of Commissioners, led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He said the whole-of-government engagement had produced encouraging outcomes.
Referring to recent high-level exchanges, Radhakrishnan noted that European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended India’s Republic Day celebrations this year as guests of honour. Their state visit in connection with the 16th India-EU Summit further strengthened bilateral engagement and gave fresh impetus to the relationship.
On economic cooperation, he pointed out that India and the EU together represent a market worth approximately USD 25 trillion, encompassing nearly two billion people. Describing the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement as the “mother of all deals”, he expressed hope that the agreement would be signed within the year.
Radhakrishnan also called for the European Parliament’s support in advancing the proposed pact, which is expected to deepen economic engagement and create opportunities for businesses across both markets.
Discussing technological collaboration, research and innovation, he acknowledged the contribution of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council in facilitating strategic coordination on shared priorities.
He also welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on India’s association with Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme, describing progress in this area as an important step towards expanding scientific cooperation.
The meeting also addressed a tragic train accident in Spain, with Radhakrishnan conveying his deepest condolences over the loss and suffering caused by the incident.
Several Rajya Sabha members attended the interaction, including Sanjay Kumar Jha, president of the India-Germany Parliamentary Friendship Group; Surendra Singh Nagar and Amar Pal Maurya, presidents of the India-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group; and P T Usha, president of the India-Germany Parliamentary Friendship Group.
