By Tanisha
The Indo-Pacific has become one of the most significant regions in global politics and economics. It stretches from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of the Americas and connects major oceans, trade routes, and strategic economies. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe described this region as the “confluence of the two seas,” highlighting the growing connection between the Indian and Pacific Oceans in shaping global order (Abe, 2007). Today, the Indo-Pacific contributes more than 60 percent of global GDP and carries a large share of international trade, making it central to both economic growth and geopolitical stability (European Commission, 2021).
Connectivity in the modern world is no longer limited to roads, ports, and railways. It now includes digital networks, clean energy systems, maritime routes, supply chains, and people-to-people exchanges. Infrastructure has become a source of strategic influence. Countries that invest in and control major connectivity projects often gain political and economic leverage. This makes connectivity not only a development issue but also a matter of power and foreign policy.
The India–EU Connectivity Partnership, launched in 2021, reflects the shared commitment of India and the European Union to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Both sides support international law, respect for sovereignty, democratic values, and transparent development practices (European Union & Government of India, 2021). The partnership focuses on building sustainable and trusted connectivity across transport, digital systems, energy, and trade.
In recent years, India and the European Union have further strengthened this relationship through important agreements. One of the most significant developments has been the progress in the India–EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, which were revived after a long pause. In 2024 and 2025, both sides made strong efforts to conclude discussions on trade, investment protection, and geographical indications. These negotiations are important because they aim to improve market access, strengthen supply chains, and create long-term economic cooperation between India and Europe (European Council, 2025). This growing economic partnership supports the broader connectivity agenda by making infrastructure and trade links more effective and sustainable.
For the European Union, the connectivity partnership is closely linked to its Global Gateway initiative. This is a large-scale infrastructure strategy worth around 300 billion euros, designed to support sustainable and high-quality projects across the world (European Commission, 2021). The initiative promotes transparency, environmental responsibility, and financial sustainability. It also offers an alternative to infrastructure models that may create debt dependency or strategic imbalance.
India’s own regional vision supports similar principles. Through the Act East Policy and the SAGAR doctrine, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region, India promotes maritime cooperation, regional stability, and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific (Ministry of External Affairs, 2021). India believes connectivity projects should be transparent, financially responsible, and respectful of national sovereignty. This shared understanding creates a strong foundation for India–EU cooperation.
The partnership gives special attention to digital connectivity. Secure digital infrastructure, trusted data systems, and cybersecurity are now essential for national security and economic development. India and the EU are working together to improve digital resilience and reduce dependence on insecure technological systems.
Transport connectivity is another major focus. Ports, roads, railways, and maritime corridors are essential for trade and strategic mobility. The Indo-Pacific contains some of the world’s most important sea routes, especially the Strait of Malacca and the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Malacca serves as a major gateway to East and Southeast Asian markets, while the Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical routes for global energy shipments from the Middle East to Asia and Europe.
Recent tensions involving the United States and Iran in the region have once again shown the importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Military conflict and strategic competition near this route directly affect oil prices, shipping security, and global supply chains. Any disruption in Hormuz creates serious economic risks for both India and Europe because both depend heavily on energy imports passing through this route (International Energy Agency, 2024). This makes maritime security and reliable sea connectivity an urgent strategic priority.
The clean energy transition is also an important part of the India–EU Connectivity Partnership. Both sides are investing in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and environmentally sustainable infrastructure. As climate change becomes a global challenge, development must be linked with environmental responsibility. Green connectivity ensures that economic growth does not come at the cost of long-term ecological damage.
People-to-people connectivity also plays a valuable role. Educational partnerships, academic exchanges, tourism, and research cooperation help strengthen trust and understanding between societies. Strong diplomatic relations are often built on these long-term human connections rather than only formal agreements.
From a geopolitical perspective, China’s Belt and Road Initiative remains a major factor in the Indo-Pacific. China has invested heavily in ports, roads, and strategic infrastructure across Asia and beyond. While these projects have improved physical connectivity, concerns remain regarding debt dependency, lack of transparency, and political influence (Hillman, 2020). India is particularly cautious because several neighboring countries have become part of BRI projects, which may affect regional power balance. The European Union also shares concerns about financial sustainability and governance standards.
This is where the India–EU Connectivity Partnership becomes strategically important. It offers an alternative model based on openness, financial responsibility, and respect for sovereignty. Rather than creating dependency, it aims to build mutual growth and regional balance. This can improve trade facilitation, strengthen maritime cooperation, and create a more stable Indo-Pacific order.
However, the partnership still faces practical challenges. Infrastructure development takes time and requires strong institutional coordination. Delays in project implementation often reduce efficiency. Financial constraints are another major concern because large connectivity projects need long-term investment from both public and private sectors.
There are also differences in governance systems. India has a more centralized decision-making structure, while the European Union functions through multiple institutions such as the European Commission, the European Parliament, and member states. This can slow policy coordination and project execution.
In conclusion, the India–EU Connectivity Partnership represents a serious and timely effort to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific. With recent progress in trade negotiations, growing strategic cooperation, and shared concerns over maritime security and regional balance, this partnership has gained greater importance than ever before. In a world where infrastructure defines both prosperity and influence, India and the European Union have the opportunity to build a transparent, secure, and sustainable regional order that benefits not only themselves but the wider international community.
Tanisha is a postgraduate in Political Science from Central University of Punjab. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies.
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