Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met European Union Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin in New Delhi for discussions covering the evolving India-EU relationship, developments in Europe and opportunities for greater cooperation between Kerala and the European Union.
The meeting took place as Delphin prepares to take up his next assignment. According to Tharoor, the discussions included the prevailing situation in Europe, conflicts affecting the continent and the growing strategic relationship between India and the European Union.
Tharoor also highlighted the importance of strengthening Kerala-EU cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector. The discussions included the upcoming Grand Pavois boat show in La Rochelle, France, to which Kerala has been invited. Tharoor said the two sides also discussed encouraging greater interest in sailing among Indians.
The meeting comes at a time when India-EU relations are expanding across trade, technology, security and other strategic areas. India and the EU have maintained a Strategic Partnership since 2004, with cooperation covering areas including defence, connectivity, technology, trade and global security.
Tharoor also pointed to the opportunities emerging from the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, saying there is significant scope for closer economic engagement following the conclusion of the negotiations. Recent reporting has also highlighted continuing work toward the agreement’s formal implementation and signing process.
The discussions further touched on the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which has implications for carbon-intensive Indian exports to Europe. Delphin highlighted areas where India and the EU can deepen cooperation, including semiconductors, clean technology, pharmaceuticals, agri-food and resilient supply chains.
The engagement between Tharoor and Delphin underscores the expanding scope of India-EU ties beyond traditional diplomatic and economic cooperation. Maritime collaboration, emerging technologies, trade and strategic issues are increasingly becoming important components of the broader relationship.
For Kerala, greater engagement with the European Union could create additional opportunities in maritime activities, trade and international business cooperation, while the wider India-EU partnership continues to develop across strategic and economic sectors.