India and EU Fortify Strategic Technology Partnership at Third Trade and Technology Council Meeting

The third ministerial meeting of the India-European Union Trade and Technology Council (TTC) concluded successfully in Brussels on July 16, 2026, marking a significant stride in their strategic partnership. High-level delegations from both sides, including India's External Affairs Minister, Commerce and Industry Minister, and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, alongside top European Commission officials, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in crucial technological domains. Key outcomes include deepened cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, high-performance computing, quantum technologies, and next-generation telecommunications like 6G. Both partners underscored the importance of building secure and trusted semiconductor supply chains, with plans to host a joint India-EU Semiconductor Roundtable during Semicon India 2026. Furthermore, the council agreed to sustain technical efforts to enhance the interoperability of digital trust services, exploring a potential pilot project linking the EU Digital Identity Wallet with India's DigiLocker. The meeting also paved the way for establishing a Deep-Tech Startup Partnership, involving entities like the European Innovation Council and Start-Up India, aimed at facilitating cross-border market access and commercialization opportunities for innovative startups. An agreement was also reached to commence formal negotiations on India's association with Horizon Europe, the EU's substantial research and innovation funding program, aiming for conclusion by the end of 2026. This comprehensive engagement highlights a shared vision for leveraging technology for inclusive growth, promoting digital governance, and building resilient global value chains in an increasingly interconnected and complex world.