Inaugural India-EU Forum Kicks Off in New Delhi FTA Momentum and Deepening Greece-India Ties

New Delhi: The first-ever India-EU Forum, a premier Track 1.5 platform co-convened by the Ananta Centre in partnership with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, opened in New Delhi on February 6-7, 2026.

This high-level gathering brings together senior policymakers, industry leaders, experts, and think tanks from India and all 27 EU Member States to build trust, foster convergences, and drive concrete initiatives in strategic cooperation.

The Forum follows closely on the heels of the historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), concluded and announced during the 16th EU-India Summit on January 27, 2026, in New Delhi. Described as a “game changer” and the “mother of all deals,” the FTA creates one of the world’s largest free trade zones, covering nearly two billion people and about 25% of global GDP.

It promises phased tariff reductions India eliminating or cutting duties on over 90% of EU exports by value, with reciprocal benefits boosting trade, investment, and economic synergies while unlocking potential in defence, security, technology, climate action, and talent mobility.

This engagement builds on the positive momentum from the recent India-EU Free Trade Agreement and underscores the growing convergence between the two nations on global security priorities.

“Delighted to welcome Minister of National Defence of Greece Nikos Dendias this evening. An in-depth conversation on a wide range of strategic and security issues. Appreciate his many insights and assessments.”
Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India

Delighted to welcome Minister of National Defense of Greece @NikosDendias this evening.

An in-depth conversation on a wide range of strategic and security issues. Appreciate his many insights and assessments.

🇮🇳 🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/akGVbl8lSn

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 6, 2026

“I was honoured to be invited by my friend Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to his residence in New Delhi… We had a cordial discussion on regional and international developments.”

Nikos Dendias, Minister of National Defence of Greece

I was honoured to be invited by my friend Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar @DrSJaishankar to his residence in New Delhi, in the context of my official visit to the country, following an invitation by my counterpart Rajnath Singh @rajnathsingh.

We…

— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) February 6, 2026

The talks were marked by warmth and mutual respect, with both sides highlighting the value of deeper bilateral cooperation amid shared interests in upholding international law, regional stability, and innovative defence partnerships.