India-EU TTC to co-chair trade, tech talks; GI, investment talks on separate track

This document outlines the Terms of Reference for the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), a high-level coordination platform established to address strategic challenges at the intersection of trade, trusted technology, and security. It aims to provide political steer, operationalize decisions, and advance technical work to deepen the bilateral relationship between India and the European Union.

Who it concerns: The agreement involves India and the European Union (EU). It specifically names the Indian Ministers in charge of External Affairs, Commerce & Industry, and Electronics & Information Technology, as well as the EU Executive Vice-Presidents in charge of digital technology and trade. It affects sectors including digital technology, green energy, trade, investment, and supply chains, and involves stakeholders such as the private sector, civil society, SMEs, start-ups, and incubators.

What was agreed

• Establishment of a high-level Trade and Technology Council (TTC) co-chaired by designated Indian Ministers and EU Executive Vice-Presidents.
• TTC meetings to take place at least once a year, with venues alternating between India and the EU.
• Creation of three specific working groups: Strategic Technologies/Digital Governance, Green & Clean Energy Technologies, and Trade/Investment/Resilient Value Chains.
• Integration or subsumption of existing bodies, including the India-EU Joint Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, the Joint ICT Working Group, and the Senior Officials’ Dialogue on WTO.
• Commitment to structured stakeholder outreach involving the private sector and civil society.
• Organization of the India-EU High-level Digital Investment Forum (DIF) on the margins of TTC Ministerial meetings.

Also in the document

• The document specifies that bilateral trade, investment, and Geographical Indications (GIs) negotiations will proceed along a separate track, reported to the TTC.
• The High-level Trade & Investment Dialogue will remain the principal organ for ongoing negotiations, held in parallel to the TTC.
• The working group on Strategic Technologies may cover 5G/6G, AI, High Performance & Quantum Computing, semiconductors, and cyber security.