India Is Becoming A Force To Reckon With On The European Stage

While France has been a steadfast supporter of India on every count, including anti-terror measures, other European states needed that additional engagement to drive home the point on Pakistan-based terror infrastructure and the sponsored terror attacks.

The wide-ranging engagements by the Indian Members of Parliament (MPs) from across party lines, ably backed by senior diplomats, in countries such as Italy, Germany, UK, Slovenia and Latvia have helped in creating a narrative on cross-border terror that would go a long way to deepen India-Europe security partnership.

The horrific Pahalgam terror attack was a reality check for the European leadership and countries, which have often questioned India on the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The visiting Indian delegation’s engagements with the media and think tanks in these European countries would surely help in shaping public opinion against state-sponsored terror.

Goyal's France Visit May Help Proposed India-EU FTA

What is interesting to note here is the tour of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to France and Italy, two of Europe’s most prominent economies. The minister's visit almost coincided with the MPs' trip. Not just that. It is important to understand the deeper implications. These two countries are also members of the G7, which has considerable influence in the international arena.

Goyal’s visit to France is expected to push the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) that India and the EU are now looking to ink. The minister suggested setting up a working group on artificial intelligence to enhance engagement on the subject.

In Paris, the Indian Minister underlined how India can support French businesses in becoming more competitive in manufacturing to tap global markets. The level of trade and investments between the two countries surely needs to be enhanced, as the current figures do not reflect their true potential.

India’s exports to France stood at US$ 8 billion in 2024-25, while imports were US$ 7.3 billion.

Italy Visit Opens Opportunities For Business

Goyal’s two-day trip to Italy has also led to important developments. The two countries have resolved to work together and enhance cooperation in a number of sectors, including agriculture and energy. Goyal was accompanied by leaders from about 90 companies, who visited Italian industries and held several meetings with local companies there. 

India-Italy ties have touched new heights under Italian PM Giorgia Meloni. The focus for both nations is also the development of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which has significance in terms of connectivity, logistics, and business development.

Such initiatives and diplomacy will be further emphasised in the near future.

India, which is rapidly gaining a voice on the global stage, needs to cautiously balance its foreign policies and adhere to its core principles of multipolarity while maintaining neutrality, as it has been doing in the past.