Euro-Atlantic turbulence: the EU deepens ties with India and Vietnam, as national governments seek Beijing’s leverage on Washington

On January 26, 2026, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi signed a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and India, concluding an almost twenty-year negotiation process.

The document provides for the mutual elimination of tariffs on more than 90% of tariff lines, forming a "seamless" market with a combined population of over 2 billion consumers.

The entry into force of this regime is expected from January 2027. In parallel, the parties signed a Partnership Agreement in the field of security and defense. According to it, the EU and India will deepen cooperation in the military-industrial complex, maritime security, and countering hybrid threats.

Subsequently, on January 29, President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of Vietnam Luong Cuong announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.