Brussels, July 15: The third meeting of the India-European Union (EU) Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was held in Brussels on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the meeting was co-chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitendra Prasad.
The MEA noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen launched the India-EU TTC in April 2022. The initiative aims to collaboratively address challenges related to trade, trusted technology, and security, while strengthening cooperation between both parties.
The ministry emphasized that India and the EU are two major and robust democracies with open market economies, shared values, and diverse societies. This makes them natural strategic partners in an evolving and complex global environment. In this context, both sides recalled the 16th India-EU Summit held in New Delhi on January 27, 2026, where leaders committed to elevating their strategic partnership.
During the meeting, India and the EU reiterated their shared commitment to enhancing digital cooperation under Working Group One, focusing on strategic technology, digital governance, and digital connectivity. Both parties agreed to continue technical work to improve interoperability of digital trust services. They also reached consensus on establishing a framework for practical cooperation in the semiconductor sector, sharing better practices related to artificial intelligence (AI), enhancing collaboration in high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum technology, facilitating the movement of skilled ICT professionals, and accelerating joint efforts on next-generation telecommunications technology and 6G standards.
The MEA stated that as trade and technology increasingly converge, India and the EU are engaged in constructive dialogue based on shared values and goals. Both parties believe that the TTC is becoming a vital platform for improved cooperation on trade, technology, and security challenges. Its objectives include promoting global stability and economic security while fostering sustainable, innovative, and inclusive economic growth.
According to the ministry, following the signing of an administrative agreement related to advanced electronic signatures and seals in January 2026, India and the EU will continue technical discussions to better integrate e-signatures with each other’s systems and ensure mutual recognition. Both sides will also advance discussions on the interoperability of digital wallets, including business wallets, and explore the feasibility of a pilot project linking the EU Digital Identity Wallet with India’s DigiLocker for citizens and entities. This work will be based on use cases determined by both parties.
The ministry highlighted that the role of deep-tech startups, innovation ecosystems, and businesses in enhancing cooperation between India and the EU is continuously growing. In light of this, both sides have decided to consider creating a special platform under the TTC to further discuss the ‘Blue Valleys’ initiative.
Both parties also agreed to hold the India-EU Business Forum, initiated during the 16th India-EU Summit, annually. Additionally, regular meetings and discussions with various industries will be conducted, focusing on priority areas. Both sides agreed that the next ministerial-level TTC meeting will take place in 2027 in New Delhi.
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