Shock for Trump! European Council approves India’s agenda; Know what was the deal?

The European Council on Monday (October 20, 2025) approved the conclusions of the new strategic EU-India Agenda previously announced by the European Commission. It also welcomed the strong impetus to deepen relations between the EU and India. This is a blow to US President Donald Trump because he is continuously pressurizing India for trade through tariffs.

The Belgium-based council is responsible for the overall political direction and priorities of the 27-member economic grouping. It highlighted the efforts of both sides to conclude the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year. The findings on the agenda this week supported its objective of deepening EU-India relations including joint communication, prosperity and stability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global issues.

What did the European Council say?

“The Council particularly welcomes the efforts to finalize a balanced, ambitious, mutually beneficial and economically meaningful free trade agreement, which the European Commission and the Government of India intend to finalize by the end of the year,” the European Council said in a statement.

According to the statement, “Such an agreement should include provisions for increased market access, removal of trade barriers and sustainable development.” The European Council said that close cooperation between the EU and India on security and defense matters, based on the principles of mutual trust and respect, is particularly important in the backdrop of an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

What did Russia say about Ukraine war?

“The Council focuses on its intention to work towards the establishment of a security and defense partnership, which, when appropriate, could also lead to defense industrial cooperation,” the statement said. It said the EU will “continue to engage with India on all aspects of Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine.”

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