2nd India-EU Trade and Technology Council Meeting: Strengthening ties in digital governance and connectivity

The second meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), held in New Delhi on Friday (February 28, 2025), underscored the deepening partnership between India and the European Union in strategic technologies, digital governance, and digital connectivity. 

The meeting was co-chaired on the Indian side by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw. Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, Maros Šefčovič and Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva co-chaired on the EU side.

Their discussions emphasized cooperation in digital transformation, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital public infrastructure (DPI).

India and the EU reaffirmed their shared commitment to a human-centric approach to digital transformation, leveraging their strengths to develop trustworthy digital technologies. The two sides agreed to collaborate on AI, semiconductors, High-Performance Computing, and 6G, aiming to enhance economic security while boosting competitiveness. This partnership will also support research and innovation efforts, strengthening EU-India ties in technological advancements.

Recognizing the pivotal role of DPI in fostering open and inclusive digital economies, both India and the EU committed to enhancing interoperability while ensuring robust protection of personal data, privacy, and intellectual property rights. As part of this initiative, the two partners pledged to promote DPI solutions to third countries, reinforcing global digital cooperation.

A key step in facilitating seamless cross-border digital transactions is the mutual recognition of e-signatures, which will further economic growth by ensuring efficiency and security in digital trade.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the commitment to reinforcing semiconductor supply chains. India and the EU agreed to collaborate on joint research and development in chip design, heterogeneous integration, and sustainable semiconductor technologies. The focus will be on developing advanced process design kits (PDKs) and fostering an ecosystem that ensures secure, diversified, and resilient semiconductor production capacities.

To support this initiative, a dedicated talent exchange program will be established, equipping students and young professionals with semiconductor-related skills.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to safe, secure, and human-centric AI. The European AI Office and India AI Mission will deepen collaboration, fostering an innovation ecosystem and sharing research on trustworthy AI. This includes cooperation on large language models and AI frameworks that prioritize ethical and responsible usage.

Additionally, both parties plan to advance research on high-performance computing applications for addressing global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and bioinformatics.

India and the EU welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Bharat 6G Alliance and the EU 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association. This collaboration will align research and development priorities, ensuring secured telecommunications and resilient supply chains. The partnership also extends to IT and telecom standardization, emphasizing globally interoperable standards.

Acknowledging the growing need for digital expertise, India and the EU agreed to work towards bridging the digital skills gap. This includes mutual recognition of certifications and legal pathways for skilled professionals, enhancing workforce mobility between the two regions. These measures will contribute to a stronger digital economy by ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled talent.

The meeting also marked a commitment to implementing the Global Digital Compact, an agreement endorsed at the UN General Assembly in September 2024. India and the EU aim to uphold an open, secure, and inclusive internet governance model that fosters innovation while safeguarding user rights. This aligns with their shared vision of a multi-stakeholder approach to global digital policies.

As the digital landscape evolves, the India-EU partnership continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology. The commitments made at the second TTC meeting reflect a robust framework for cooperation, ensuring that both economies remain at the forefront of technological advancements. With plans to meet again within a year, India and the EU are poised to further deepen their digital ties, reinforcing their shared vision of a secure and innovative digital future.