India's Weapons Exports To Europe Top $850 Million Since Russia-Ukraine War Began

India’s defence industry is emerging as a significant beneficiary of Europe’s accelerated rearmament efforts, with demand for ammunition and military supplies rising sharply in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

As European countries work to replenish depleted stockpiles while maintaining support for Ukraine, Indian manufacturers have substantially expanded their presence in the region’s defence supply chain.

Trade data indicate that India exported ammunition and related military products worth approximately $872 million to European countries during the four years following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In comparison, such exports totalled just $49.2 million during the preceding four-year period.

The dramatic increase underscores the growing competitiveness of India’s defence manufacturing sector and its ability to meet the requirements of overseas customers seeking reliable and cost-effective suppliers.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has described India as Europe’s third-largest arms exporter, highlighting the country’s expanding footprint in a market that has become increasingly important amid heightened security concerns across the continent.

The surge in exports has been driven largely by demand for conventional military supplies, including artillery shells, mortar ammunition, propellants and explosives. European governments have been seeking rapid replenishment of ammunition reserves as military inventories come under pressure from continued support for Kyiv and wider efforts to strengthen national defence capabilities.

India has also emerged as the second-largest supplier of ammunition and related products to 13 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, trailing only South Korea. Before the war, India ranked far lower among suppliers to these markets but has since made significant gains as demand accelerated.

Several countries in the region, including Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and others, have increased procurement of ammunition and related products as they modernise armed forces and rebuild stockpiles.

The European Union’s ReArm Europe initiative has further accelerated defence spending and industrial expansion across the continent. The program is encouraging European nations to strengthen military preparedness while diversifying supply chains, creating fresh opportunities for Indian public-sector and private-sector defence manufacturers.

Analysts believe the rise in exports could support longer-term industrial cooperation between India and Europe, particularly as both sides explore deeper defence partnerships and collaborative manufacturing arrangements.

India’s expanding defence production base has played a crucial role in supporting this growth. The country has steadily increased domestic manufacturing capacity across a range of military products, allowing companies to respond to growing international demand.

The broader export picture is equally strong. According to Rajesh Kumar Singh, India’s defence exports reached a record ₹38,424 crore during the 2025-26 financial year, up from ₹23,622 crore in the previous year.

Indian-made defence equipment is now exported to more than 80 countries, reflecting both the expansion of the domestic industrial base and the strengthening of India’s international customer network.

The latest export figures reinforce India’s growing position in the global defence market, with ammunition sales to Europe becoming one of the most notable success stories to emerge from the changing security landscape created by the Russia-Ukraine war.

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President Murmu Hosts Liechtenstein Prince Highlights Partnership Potential Under TEPA During Historic State Visit

President Droupadi Murmu hosted Liechtenstein’s Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, underscoring the growing potential of bilateral ties under the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

During the visit, President Murmu received the royal couple and hosted a banquet in their honour, describing TEPA as a significant opportunity to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

According to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President noted that the agreement creates fresh avenues for collaboration by combining Liechtenstein’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, innovation and financial services with India’s skilled workforce, manufacturing capabilities and rapidly expanding market.

“The President said that with the new opportunities created by the India-EFTA TEPA, we can develop a beneficial partnership by combining Liechtenstein’s expertise in advanced manufacturing, innovation, and financial services with India’s skilled workforce, manufacturing capacity, and rapidly growing market. The two leaders agreed that close bilateral cooperation can bring immense benefits to our people.”

The discussions reflected a shared commitment to strengthening economic engagement and encouraging greater investment flows between the two nations.

The TEPA, signed in March 2024 and in force since October 2025, represents a landmark agreement between India and the four EFTA member states - Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.

The pact aims to facilitate USD 100 billion in investment into India over a 15-year period while supporting the creation of one million direct jobs, making it one of the most ambitious trade and investment frameworks entered into by India with developed European economies.

Both sides identified a range of sectors for deeper cooperation, including advanced manufacturing, machinery and machine tools, precision engineering, medical technology, space technology, clean energy solutions, artificial intelligence and financial services.

These sectors are viewed as natural areas of synergy, leveraging Liechtenstein’s specialised technological expertise and India’s scale, talent base and growth potential.

The agreement also supports broader objectives such as innovation, technology partnerships, trade expansion, investment promotion and sustainable economic development, while strengthening long-term links between Indian and EFTA businesses.

Prince Alois’s latest visit marks his second trip to India this year, having previously travelled to New Delhi in February to participate in the AI Impact Summit.

Earlier in the day, the visiting dignitary was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted him.

Speaking to reporters, Prince Alois expressed gratitude for the invitation and warm hospitality extended by the Indian leadership.

“I am very honoured to be in India on the occasion of Liechtenstein’s first state visit to this remarkable country.”

Describing the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations, he added, “This historic visit bears testimony to the importance that Liechtenstein attaches to the relationship with India.”

Referring to the implementation of TEPA, Prince Alois said the agreement had opened a new chapter in relations between the two countries.

“We are determined to build on this momentum and strengthen our ties with India even further.”

The visit is widely seen as reinforcing the growing strategic and economic partnership between India and Liechtenstein, with both nations seeking to translate the opportunities created by TEPA into investment, innovation and long-term economic cooperation.

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PM Modi And Hereditary Prince Alois Reaffirm India–Liechtenstein Partnership As TEPA Drives New Momentum

India and Liechtenstein have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations following extensive high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

The discussions marked another significant step in the growing partnership between the two nations, particularly in the wake of the implementation of the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

Prime Minister Modi hosted Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie for a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, with both sides examining opportunities to expand cooperation across several key sectors. The talks focused on strengthening collaboration in trade and investment, innovation, science and technology, skill development, and people-to-people exchanges, reflecting a shared desire to broaden engagement beyond traditional diplomatic channels.

A major aspect of the discussions centred on multilateral cooperation and the future of global governance. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to working together on reforming and strengthening international institutions, including the United Nations, amid increasing calls for more representative and effective global governance mechanisms.

The two sides also welcomed the positive momentum generated by the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which has emerged as a key driver of closer economic engagement. The agreement, which entered into force in 2025, has created new opportunities for investment, trade expansion and industrial collaboration between India and the EFTA member states, including Liechtenstein.

The leaders reaffirmed their determination to build on the progress achieved through TEPA and further strengthen the wider bilateral partnership. The agreement is expected to facilitate deeper economic integration, encourage technology transfer and create new avenues for cooperation between businesses and institutions in both countries.

Earlier in the day, Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. The royal couple participated in a wreath-laying ceremony and signed the visitors' book, honouring the legacy of the Father of the Nation. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary was also present during the visit.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar separately met Hereditary Prince Alois during the state visit and highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral relations. Following the meeting, Jaishankar stated, “A pleasure to call on H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, on a State Visit to India.”

Highlighting the expanding scope of cooperation between the two countries, Jaishankar added, “Our bilateral partnership is witnessing strong momentum across a wide range of domains, driven by the opportunities enabled by India - EFTA TEPA.” He further noted, “Look forward to his meeting with PM @narendramodi later today to advance our cooperation.”

The state visit carries particular historical significance as it marks Liechtenstein's first-ever state visit to India. Speaking during a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Hereditary Prince Alois emphasised the importance his country attaches to its relationship with New Delhi.

“I am very honoured to be in India on the occasion of Liechtenstein's first state visit to this remarkable country,” he said. “This historic visit bears testimony to the importance that Liechtenstein attaches to the relationship with India. The conclusion of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, TEPA, with India, which entered into force a year ago, marked a significant milestone in this regard.”

The Hereditary Prince underscored his country's intention to build on the momentum generated by the agreement and pursue stronger ties across a range of sectors. “We are determined to build on this momentum and strengthen our ties with India even further. In particular, we see tremendous potential in expanding our economic cooperation in areas such as innovation, advanced manufacturing, financial services, education and technology,” he said.

He also stressed the complementary strengths shared by the two countries, adding, “Across these and many other areas, our two countries possess complementary strengths that we can bring together for the lasting benefit of both our countries.”

The royal couple also attended an official ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan hosted in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. The event reflected the growing warmth in bilateral relations and the increasing importance attached to the partnership by both governments.

Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie arrived in New Delhi after visiting Vadodara as part of the ongoing state visit. The visit includes a high-level official delegation as well as a business delegation comprising leading industry representatives, underlining the strong economic focus of the engagement.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit is expected to provide renewed impetus to India–Liechtenstein relations by strengthening diplomatic engagement and expanding trade and economic cooperation. Prior to arriving in New Delhi, the Prince landed in Mumbai before travelling to Vadodara, with the itinerary designed to foster closer governmental, commercial and institutional links.

The visit comes at a time of steadily increasing engagement between India and Liechtenstein, particularly following the operationalisation of the India–EFTA TEPA in 2025. With growing interest in areas such as advanced manufacturing, financial services, innovation, technology, education, investment and skills development, both countries are seeking to leverage their complementary economic strengths to establish a more robust and forward-looking partnership in the years ahead.

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Europe On Alert: Jihadists Urge Suicide Bombings, Vehicle Attacks On Police And Demonstrators

European security agencies have been placed on heightened alert following the discovery of jihadist messaging urging extremists to target police officers and demonstrators during large-scale economic protests taking place across several European countries.

Spanish authorities identified messages circulating on a platform allegedly linked to the self-proclaimed Islamic State, encouraging followers to exploit ongoing civil unrest in countries including Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. The material reportedly called for attacks against both law enforcement personnel and civilians attending demonstrations.

Portugal's Internal Security System (SSI) confirmed that it is closely monitoring the threat. In a statement, the agency said: "The Secretary General of the Internal Security System is closely monitoring the situation mentioned within the scope of her responsibilities and in constant coordination with the relevant authorities."

According to findings highlighted by Spanish security authorities, extremist propaganda has urged supporters to take advantage of crowded demonstrations and confrontations between protesters and police. The material reportedly framed the unrest as an opportunity to strike at both security forces and large public gatherings.

An internal assessment cited by Spanish officials suggested that the scale of recent demonstrations, particularly in France where participation exceeded 8,00,000 people last weekend, presents what extremists describe as "a rare opportunity to attack them" while making law enforcement "easy prey when there are skirmishes with protesters".

The propaganda is also reported to have promoted so-called "martyrdom" operations, including suicide bombings and vehicle-ramming attacks. Security agencies across Europe are consequently increasing vigilance amid concerns that extremist actors could seek to exploit volatile public gatherings.

The warnings come as protests continue to intensify across parts of Europe. In France, demonstrations that began in late September over deteriorating school conditions and teacher shortages have evolved into broader anti-government protests driven by rising living costs, elevated fuel prices and public sector spending cuts. Protesters have increasingly directed criticism towards President Emmanuel Macron's administration.

Violence linked to the unrest has escalated significantly. French authorities have reported serious incidents including firebomb attacks that heavily damaged Limoges City Hall and tourism offices in Lyon. Similar acts of violence and arson have also been recorded in Italy, particularly in Milan.

Meanwhile, Portugal and Spain have witnessed persistent demonstrations and protest encampments fuelled by public frustration over soaring living costs and severe housing shortages. Major urban centres including Lisbon, Porto and Madrid have experienced near-daily protest activity.

Amid the deteriorating security environment, India has advised its citizens in France, Italy and Belgium to remain vigilant and avoid areas affected by demonstrations. Indian diplomatic missions in the region continue to monitor developments and remain in contact with local Indian communities.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised the importance of following official guidance, stating: "Indian nationals in these countries where protests are happening are advised to remain vigilant and exercise due caution when they are moving out and also to avoid areas where protests are happening. They must also follow local advisories which are being issued by the government."

He further added: "Our Embassies in France and in Italy have also issued advisories for our nationals and they must follow those advisories. On our part, we remain committed to the welfare and safety of our nationals abroad."

Earlier this week, the Indian Embassy in France issued a separate travel and safety advisory, urging Indian nationals and prospective travellers to remain cautious following violent clashes linked to the cost-of-living protests and wider anti-government demonstrations that continue to affect parts of the country.

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European Parliament Delegation’s India Visit Set To Deepen EU-India Strategic Partnership Ahead of FTA Signing

European Union Ambassador Jean-Eric Paquet has welcomed the upcoming visit of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) delegation to New Delhi from 26 to 28 October, describing it as an important step ahead of the proposed signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

In a message on X, Paquet said: “Look forward to the visit of @Europarl_EN Foreign Affairs Committee in New Delhi (26-28 Oct), ahead of FTA signing.”

He added: “Led by Chair @DavidMcAllister, they’ll be meeting Government, Parliament & business leaders to discuss how to further strengthen #EUIndia Strategic Agenda.”

The delegation will be led by AFET Committee Chair David McAllister and will undertake what has been described as the committee’s first official visit to India under the European Parliament’s current mandate.

During their stay in New Delhi, members of the delegation are scheduled to hold discussions with representatives of the Indian government, Parliament, business community, think tanks and non-governmental organisations.

Talks are expected to focus on the EU-India Strategic Agenda, as well as major geopolitical challenges affecting both partners. Particular attention will be given to strengthening the strategic partnership and addressing shared concerns across the Indo-Pacific and other regions.

The visit comes at a significant moment in India-EU relations, with both sides moving closer to formalising the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement after years of negotiations. The agreement is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious trade arrangements pursued by either side and is expected to deepen economic integration, investment flows and supply-chain resilience.

The development also follows Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Germany on 22 October, where he led a delegation of nearly 100 representatives from various sectors of Indian industry.

Addressing an India-Germany business roundtable, Goyal expressed confidence that the India-EU FTA could be signed before the end of the year, subject to the completion of necessary procedures.

“You rightly mentioned Ms. von der Leyen’s comment about India and EU FTA being the mother of all deals. It took twenty years, but I can assure you the agreement really got finalised in the last thirteen months,” Goyal said.

He noted that the conclusion of negotiations had been announced on 27 January and credited the political commitment shown by both India and the 27-member European Union in bringing the negotiations to a successful conclusion.

Earlier this month, Paquet described the India-EU FTA as “an absolute game changer for India and Europe”, underlining its potential to boost trade, investment and supply chains while expanding cooperation in defence and economic security.

Speaking at the Annual Session and Champion Awards 2026 of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers in New Delhi, he said: “What lies ahead is the signing of the Free Trade Agreement. In principle, we aim to conclude the FTA by the end of this year and intend to bring it into force in the course of 2027. This is an absolute game changer for India and Europe.”

Paquet also expressed hope that the FTA would be accompanied by an Investment Protection Agreement, which remains under negotiation. He said the two agreements together could create a vast common economic space linking India and Europe.

“Together, the FTA, the mother of all these initiatives and the Investment Protection Agreement would create a single economic space spanning India and Europe. Within this space, we could trade more freely, strengthen supply chains through trade and investment, make them more resilient and reduce strategic dependencies,” he said.

The latest diplomatic engagement reflects the growing momentum in India-EU relations, which increasingly encompass trade, investment, connectivity, economic security, clean energy, technology and defence cooperation.

With the EU remaining one of India’s largest economic partners, both sides are seeking to translate strategic convergence into stronger institutional and commercial ties through the FTA and related agreements.

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Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein Set For State Visit To India As Bilateral Engagement Deepens

Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, the Acting Head of State of the Principality, will undertake a State visit to India from 25 to 28 October at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will be accompanied by Hereditary Princess Sophie, a high-level official delegation and a business delegation comprising leading industry figures.

The visit is expected to further strengthen the steadily growing relationship between India and Liechtenstein, with discussions likely to focus on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, science, technology, innovation and people-to-people exchanges.

During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi and Hereditary Prince Alois will review the progress of bilateral ties and exchange views on regional and global developments. The Ministry of External Affairs stated: “During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois will hold a bilateral meeting to discuss cooperation in various areas including trade and investment, science, technology and innovation and people-to-people exchanges as well as exchange views on regional and global developments.”

Prince Alois is also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu, who will host an official banquet in his honour. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will likewise call on the visiting dignitary during his stay.

This will mark Prince Alois’s second visit to India in 2026, following his trip to New Delhi in February for the AI Impact Summit. He has previously visited India in 2010 and 2018, reflecting sustained engagement with the country over the years.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with Prince Alois at Hyderabad House on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026, underscoring the increasing frequency of high-level exchanges between the two sides.

The visit comes at a time of expanding economic cooperation following the operationalisation of the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement in 2025. Liechtenstein, as a member of EFTA, is expected to benefit from enhanced commercial and investment opportunities arising from the agreement.

Highlighting the significance of the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs said: “The visit is expected to provide further impetus to the growing engagement between India and Liechtenstein, particularly since operationalisation of India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement in 2025.”

The ministry further noted that, “The visit will provide an opportunity to further deepen the friendly ties between India and Liechtenstein and build partnerships in new areas of mutual interest.”

India and the Principality of Liechtenstein established diplomatic relations in 1993, with the Indian Ambassador to Switzerland concurrently accredited to the Principality. Bilateral ties reached an important milestone in 2023, when the two countries marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The upcoming visit is expected to reinforce existing cooperation while opening new avenues for engagement across economic, technological and diplomatic sectors.

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India Emerges As Europe’s Third-Largest Arms Supplier As Defence Exports Reach Record High

India has rapidly emerged as the third-largest exporter of arms to Europe, according to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, highlighting a major shift in the country's position within the global defence industry.

Speaking at the KPMG Agrasar Bharat Manch 2026 event in New Delhi, Singh said the rise has been driven by growing European demand under the Rearm Europe initiative and by the expansion of India's domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.

He noted that India's long-term objective has been to build a much broader defence industrial base. What was once heavily centred around approximately 16 public sector defence companies has evolved into a significantly larger ecosystem encompassing private industry, small and medium enterprises, and a rapidly expanding Start-Up sector.

According to Singh, the benefits of this transformation are now becoming visible both economically and operationally.

He stated, "In India, on the other hand, for the last 10 years, we've seen tremendous growth in our defence ecosystem. We now have almost 840 odd companies with industrial licences that are large and medium-sized, and some 17,000 small and medium enterprises, including Start-Ups. And the result of this diversified industrial base is becoming visible in terms of the value of domestic sales, which are now almost 17 billion euros."

The Defence Secretary revealed that India's defence exports have reached an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore, equivalent to approximately 3.6 billion euros.

Highlighting the country's growing role in Europe, Singh said, "Our exports have reached an all-time high of 38,424 crores, which is about 3.6 billion euros, and I was reading a Bloomberg report yesterday, which said that suddenly over the last year, India became the third largest exporter of arms to Europe, mainly because of the Rearm Europe initiative."

He added that a substantial volume of standard ammunition, artillery shells, and both large- and small-calibre ammunition has been exported to European customers as the continent accelerates efforts to replenish military stockpiles and strengthen defence preparedness.

India currently exports defence equipment to more than 80 countries worldwide.

Singh said government policy seeks to ensure that around 75 per cent of annual defence capital expenditure, estimated at between $20 billion and $25 billion, is spent within the country. He stressed that procurement priorities remain focused on IDDM, or Indian-designed, developed and manufactured systems, in order to strengthen technological sovereignty.

The Defence Secretary explained that Indian exports now cover a wide spectrum of military products rather than only ammunition.

"I mentioned that suddenly out the globe, we become the third largest whatever arms to Europe, one, mainly because of the artillery. In addition, we export a variety of equipment, including everything from bulletproof jackets and helmets to small arms," he said.

He added that many buyers, particularly in Southeast Asia, are engaged in public negotiations and contracts covering numerous categories of defence equipment.

These exports include defence components, small arms, artillery systems, gun systems and a range of tactical military products, reflecting the increasing maturity of India's defence manufacturing sector.

Singh also pointed to India's changing defence procurement landscape. While Russia historically served as India's largest defence supplier, he said that dependence has steadily reduced as New Delhi diversified its partnerships.

"We still have a lot of our equipment that is of Russian origin, but over time that dependence has come down and we diversified; we already have fairly strong bilateral relations with some European countries, France in particular. But also with several other countries as well."

He noted that France now accounts for roughly 15 per cent of India's defence imports, while Israel holds a similar share. He also highlighted growing strategic alignment with countries such as Greece and Cyprus, which he recently visited.

Looking ahead, Singh said India intends to strengthen its participation in Europe's defence industrial landscape through joint ventures rather than direct involvement alone.

"India intends to increasingly take part in Europe's arms procurement program. Not directly, but by setting up joint ventures in Europe."

He added that Indian firms establishing joint ventures in Europe would gain access to European government procurement opportunities, while European companies could establish partnerships in India to participate in the country's expanding defence market.

At the same time, he stressed that foreign companies seeking to benefit from Indian procurement opportunities would continue to be required to meet local manufacturing obligations under the Make in India framework.

Singh observed that European localisation requirements generally stand at around 25 per cent, compared with India's minimum requirement of 50 per cent, although the overall objectives behind both frameworks are broadly similar.

He expressed hope that future cooperation would lead to deeper integration between Indian and European defence supply chains, creating stronger industrial partnerships and opening new opportunities for manufacturers on both sides.

The remarks underscore the growing international competitiveness of India's defence industry, which has expanded from a predominantly state-led sector into a vast network of public enterprises, private companies, SMEs and Start-Ups.

Rising exports, record domestic sales, increasing ammunition demand from Europe and expanding international partnerships collectively signal India's emergence as an increasingly important player in the global defence market.

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PM Modi And PM Tusk Hold Talks In New Delhi To Deepen India-Poland Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held bilateral talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, with both leaders reviewing the full spectrum of India-Poland relations and exploring new opportunities to strengthen cooperation across several key sectors.

The discussions took place during Tusk’s official visit to India from 21 to 23 October. The visit is aimed at advancing the India-Poland Strategic Partnership and expanding collaboration in trade, defence, technology and other areas of shared interest.

Earlier in the day, Tusk paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, where he laid a wreath at the memorial dedicated to the Father of the Nation.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met Tusk on Thursday and exchanged views on ways to deepen bilateral engagement across a broad range of domains.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Pleased to call on Prime Minister Donald Tusk @donaldtuskof Poland. Appreciated his sharing thoughts on deepening India - Poland cooperation across a wide range of domains.”

He added, “Looked forward to his meeting with PM @narendramodi today to advance our bilateral Strategic Partnership.”

Tusk arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. He is accompanied by Poland’s Minister of Finance and Economy Andrzej Domanski, along with a business delegation seeking to expand economic and commercial engagement with India.

As part of his program, the Polish Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the India-Poland Business Forum in New Delhi before travelling to Bangalore on 23 October, where he will engage with leaders from India’s information technology and space sectors.

The visit comes at a significant moment in bilateral ties. India and Poland elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024, providing fresh momentum for political, economic, technological and security cooperation between the two countries.

Tusk’s trip also carries historic significance, marking the first visit by a Polish Prime Minister to India since 2010 and underlining the growing importance both nations attach to strengthening long-term strategic relations.

Former Polish Ambassador to India Adam Burakowski said that both countries are seeking to raise annual bilateral trade from about $6 billion to USD 10 billion, with business forums expected to play an important role in connecting companies and encouraging new partnerships.

Burakowski also highlighted defence and space technology as major areas for future collaboration and noted that progress on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement could further boost economic engagement and investment between India and Poland.

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India-Poland Strategic Partnership Set For Further Expansion As EAM Jaishankar Meets Donald Tusk

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in New Delhi and welcomed his views on strengthening India-Poland cooperation across a broad range of sectors. Following the meeting, Jaishankar said he appreciated Tusk's thoughts on “deepening India-Poland cooperation across a wide range of domains”.

He also expressed optimism about Tusk's discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “Look forward to his meeting with PM Narendra Modi to advance our Strategic Partnership.”

Tusk is on a two-day official visit to India from 21-23 October at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. He is accompanied by Poland's Minister of Finance and Economy, Andrzej Domanski, along with a high-level business delegation. The visit is aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, technology, space, defence and other strategic sectors while giving fresh momentum to bilateral relations.

As part of his programme, the Polish Prime Minister is scheduled to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat through a wreath-laying ceremony. He will also hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Modi to review bilateral ties and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

In addition, Tusk will participate in the India-Poland Business Forum in New Delhi before travelling to Bangalore, where he is expected to engage with leaders from the information technology and space industries.

The visit follows a significant upgrade in bilateral relations after India and Poland elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Poland in August 2024. Tusk's current trip marks the first visit by a Polish Prime Minister to India since 2010, underlining the growing importance both countries attach to the relationship.

Former Polish Ambassador to India Adam Burakowski described the visit as strongly focused on economic cooperation. He noted that both countries are working towards raising annual bilateral trade from approximately $6 billion to $10 billion.

“This visit is mainly on business, and the big focus on business there will be one economic forum in Delhi and another one in Bangalore. And there will be many MoUs signed between Polish and Indian companies,” Burakowski said.

He added that cooperation in space and defence would feature prominently in discussions and characterised the visit as an opportunity to significantly broaden economic engagement between the two nations.

Burakowski also highlighted the importance of the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, saying, “The India-EU free trade agreement is a key instrument to achieve this goal because it's the biggest FTA that the European Union has signed with anybody and vice versa.” He noted that the agreement could substantially enhance economic cooperation and trade flows.

Reflecting on emerging areas of collaboration, he said, “What are we discussing right now is about trade, the defence sector and space technology. Recently, there was a mission that included two astronauts, one from Poland and the other from India. We can say that this is the start of a new era.”

Michał Matlak, Director of the ŁUKASIEWICZ-ITECH Institute of Innovation and Technology, said the visit comes at a pivotal moment following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. “In 2024, Prime Minister Modi was in Poland, and he upgraded the Polish-Indian relationship to a strategic one. And now the Prime Minister is here to even strengthen and to give some kind of meaning to this partnership,” he said.

Matlak emphasised the growing opportunities for collaboration between Polish institutions and India's innovation ecosystem, including the Indian Institutes of Technology, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Indian Start-Ups.

“This will give us lots of opportunities,” he said, pointing to the potential for deeper research, technology and innovation partnerships.

He also highlighted India's participation in the European Union's Horizon research program as an avenue through which Indian and European researchers could pursue joint projects and gain greater access to research funding and collaborative opportunities.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Tusk's visit is expected to provide fresh impetus to the India-Poland Strategic Partnership and deepen the longstanding political, economic, technological and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

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Europe Said No: Bessent Reveals Allies Refused Tariffs On India, China Over Russian Oil

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said European allies declined a US request to join Washington in imposing secondary tariffs on India and China for purchasing Russian oil, arguing that the United States should not shoulder the economic burden of pressuring Moscow alone.

Speaking in an interview with NBC, Bessent said he had asked European partners in the spring to support coordinated action against countries importing Russian energy. He stated that Europe refused to participate in the proposed tariffs targeting China and India.

Bessent said President Donald Trump wants the fighting in Ukraine to end and noted that the proposed sanctions legislation gives the administration additional flexibility. According to him, the measure provides President Trump with a 60-day window to assess developments before deciding on further action.

He also criticised European nations for continuing to buy Russian energy. Bessent pointed to exports from Russia’s Yamal facility, stating that, during the first six months of the year, 140 cargoes departed the facility and 136 were delivered to European countries including Belgium, Spain, France and the Netherlands, generating more than USD 8 billion in revenue.

According to Bessent, this continued purchasing has provided Russia with substantial income even as European governments have backed Ukraine politically and financially during the conflict.

His comments followed President Trump’s decision to temporarily waive certain sanctions and tariff provisions contained within the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The pause allows the administration 60 days to evaluate the potential economic impact of implementing the measures.

The legislation would permit tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods imported into the United States from the five largest importers of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas, a group that includes both India and China.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described India as an important ally and said Washington must take into account the country’s energy requirements before imposing tariffs or sanctions. Rubio stressed that the measures extend beyond Russia and could have significant implications for several countries as well as for the US and global economies.

Rubio added that countries such as India have broadened their energy sourcing strategies but are not in a position to immediately halt imports of Russian energy. His remarks reflected concerns within the administration about balancing geopolitical objectives with economic realities.

The debate comes against the backdrop of ongoing disruption to global energy markets caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and heightened tensions in the Middle East. Bessent indicated that Washington could revisit the issue with European partners, again questioning why the United States should act alone in applying economic pressure on Moscow.

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'India-EU FTA Set To Open Vast High-Spending Market, Says EAM Jaishankar'

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will give India greater access to a large, mature market with strong purchasing power, describing it as a highly complementary economic partnership.

Speaking during a discussion with Bloomberg New Economy Forum Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait in New Delhi, Jaishankar said 2026 had effectively become India's "Europe Year" because of the growing depth of engagement between New Delhi and Brussels.

He noted the symbolic significance of the European Commission and European Council Presidents attending India's National Day celebrations, calling it a reflection of strengthening ties.

EAM Jaishankar said negotiations on the India-EU FTA, which lasted 25 years, have now been concluded. He expressed hope that the agreement would enter into force within the coming months, ideally by the end of this year or early next year.

According to him, the agreement will provide India with improved access to one of the world's largest consumer markets while enhancing economic cooperation with Europe.

The minister also emphasised India's long-standing policy of maintaining extensive international partnerships while preserving strategic autonomy, rather than operating within formal alliance structures.

He argued that recent changes in India-EU relations have largely been driven by Brussels and said Europe itself is increasingly discussing strategic autonomy, a development that India views positively.

Jaishankar stressed that the FTA is not a response to an emerging multipolar world order. Instead, he said the trade agreement and broader geopolitical developments are separate trends unfolding at the same time.

Commenting on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's observations about shifts in the global order, Jaishankar said India's trade negotiations with Europe were already well advanced before those remarks were made.

He added that Canada's alliance-based strategic perspective should not be used to interpret India's relationship with Europe, as India is not an alliance partner and follows its own foreign policy approach.

Earlier, European Union Ambassador to India Jean-Eric Paquet described the proposed India-EU FTA as an absolute game changer for both sides.

Speaking at the Annual Session and Champion Awards 2026 of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers in New Delhi, Paquet said the aim is to conclude the agreement by the end of 2026 and bring it into force during 2027.

Paquet also expressed hope that an Investment Protection Agreement, currently under negotiation, would be finalised alongside the FTA. He said the combination of the two agreements could create a shared economic space linking India and Europe more closely.

According to Paquet, this framework would encourage freer trade, increase investment flows, strengthen supply chains, improve resilience, and reduce strategic dependencies across both economies.

The developments underline a significant expansion in India-EU economic cooperation, with both sides seeking deeper trade integration, stronger investment ties, and greater long-term economic security.

ANI

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PM Modi’s Three-Step Ukraine Truce Push Gains Attention As War Escalates

India has put forward a three-part proposal aimed at creating conditions for a potential ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, positioning itself as an increasingly active diplomatic player in efforts to reduce tensions between Moscow and Kyiv.

According to the proposal, New Delhi has suggested an immediate halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, a move intended to prevent further damage to power networks and critical facilities that have repeatedly come under fire during the war.

The second element focuses on ensuring the uninterrupted movement of grain and energy exports through Black Sea ports. Such exports remain vital to global food and energy security, particularly for developing nations that have been affected by disruptions caused by the conflict.

The third component seeks an end to attacks on commercial shipping operating in and around the Black Sea. Protecting maritime trade routes is considered essential for maintaining regional stability and supporting international commerce.

Ukraine has confirmed that it has received India's proposal, indicating that New Delhi's diplomatic initiative is now part of broader discussions aimed at identifying possible pathways towards a truce.

India's intervention comes at a time when military operations remain intense. Russia has continued missile and drone strikes across Ukrainian territory, while both sides remain engaged in a prolonged war of attrition along multiple fronts.

Particular attention has been drawn to Russia's growing use of jet-powered Geran drones. These systems are reportedly faster than earlier variants, making interception more challenging and increasing pressure on Ukraine's air-defence network.

The proposal reflects India's long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective means of ending the conflict. Since the outbreak of the war, New Delhi has consistently called for a peaceful resolution while maintaining engagement with both Russia and Ukraine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasised that the present era is not one of war, a message he has conveyed during interactions with leaders in both Moscow and Kyiv.

India's balanced approach has allowed it to maintain strategic relations with Russia while simultaneously deepening ties with Western countries and expanding engagement with Ukraine.

The focus on energy infrastructure is particularly significant because attacks on power facilities have had wide-ranging consequences, affecting civilian populations, industrial production and economic activity across Ukraine.

Maintaining grain exports through the Black Sea remains a major international concern. Earlier disruptions contributed to volatility in global food markets, especially in regions heavily dependent on Ukrainian agricultural supplies.

Likewise, protecting commercial shipping is viewed as critical for reducing risks to maritime trade, stabilising freight costs and preventing further economic disruptions beyond the conflict zone.

While the proposal does not constitute a formal peace agreement, it represents a practical confidence-building framework designed to reduce immediate risks and create space for broader negotiations.

The initiative also underscores India's ambition to play a larger diplomatic role on major international security issues, leveraging its relationships with competing geopolitical blocs to facilitate dialogue where direct engagement has become increasingly difficult.

Whether the proposal gains traction remains uncertain, but Ukraine's acknowledgement of the initiative has brought renewed attention to India's efforts to contribute to de-escalation as fighting continues across the battlefield.

Agencies

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Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Greece And Cyprus Eye IMEC Expansion As Ministerial Talks Loom

Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Greece and Cyprus have expressed interest in joining or deepening their involvement in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), according to Gérard Mestrallet, the French President’s Special Envoy for IMEC.

Speaking in New Delhi during his visit to India from 5 to 7 October, Mestrallet said a ministerial-level meeting of the corridor’s participating countries is expected later this year and could consider expanding IMEC’s membership and geographical scope.

He stressed that any enlargement of the initiative would require approval from the eight existing signatory governments, as decisions on membership remain the prerogative of the current partners.

Among the countries showing interest, Mestrallet highlighted Egypt, Lebanon and Oman as potential participants from the Middle East, while Greece and Cyprus were identified as particularly interested European nations seeking full membership.

He also clarified the position of Jordan and Israel, noting that although neither country signed the original agreement, both were referenced in the initial framework and have an important connection to the corridor’s planned route.

Launched in September 2023, IMEC was jointly announced by India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union. The project aims to create a major multimodal trade and connectivity network linking India with Europe through the Arabian Peninsula.

The proposed corridor combines maritime links, rail infrastructure and broader connectivity systems. It is also intended to support clean-energy cooperation and digital connectivity, strengthening trade routes between Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Mestrallet noted that cooperation among participating countries has so far been conducted through a steering committee structure, with no ministerial-level meeting having taken place since the initiative was unveiled.

He expressed hope that a ministerial gathering could be convened before the end of the year, providing governments with an opportunity to review progress and discuss the future shape of the corridor.

Even if interested countries do not immediately become full members, Mestrallet said IMEC would still need to work closely with them because of their strategic locations, ports and economic links. He suggested that different forms of participation, including associated membership arrangements, could be explored.

The comments come as participating nations seek to accelerate progress on one of the world’s most ambitious connectivity projects, designed to improve trade efficiency, strengthen supply chains and enhance transport links between key global markets.

During his India visit, Mestrallet is also taking part in discussions focused on green shipping corridors and the role of ports within IMEC. He addressed the IMEC Ports Club Working Day in New Delhi alongside Christophe Castaner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Port of Marseille Fos.

ANI

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Swiss President Guy Parmelin Sees India-EFTA Pact Driving Trade, Investment And Jobs Growth

Switzerland has expressed strong confidence in the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), with Swiss President Guy Parmelin stating that the pact is expected to significantly strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties in the years ahead.

Speaking during his visit to India, Parmelin said the agreement, which entered into force in October 2025, has already generated substantial interest among businesses across the EFTA bloc. He described the implementation of TEPA as highly positive and said company engagement with the agreement has been strong since its launch.

According to the Swiss President, the agreement lays the foundations for a deeper and more durable economic partnership by encouraging long-term investment, job creation, innovation and sustainable economic growth in both countries.

Parmelin noted that the investment-focused nature of TEPA creates a mutually beneficial framework. Switzerland brings advanced technologies, specialist expertise, innovation capabilities and a long-term investment outlook, while India offers scale, a rapidly expanding economy, a highly skilled workforce and an increasingly important position in global value chains.

Under the agreement, the EFTA nations comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein have committed to facilitating investments worth approximately ₹8.3 lakh crore in India over a 15-year period. The initiative has the potential to create one million direct jobs.

Providing an update on progress towards that commitment, Parmelin said Swiss companies have already made or announced investment plans spanning transportation and logistics, financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, technology and electronics.

He added that these efforts have been reinforced by more than 150 investment promotion and outreach activities carried out by Switzerland and the other EFTA member states since 2024.

The Swiss President said India-Switzerland relations have become increasingly close and dynamic in recent years. He highlighted trade and investment, research and innovation, and sustainable development as key areas where cooperation can be further expanded.

Parmelin described TEPA as both a symbol of the strong collaboration between the two countries and a critical platform for advancing economic engagement over the coming years.

The agreement is regarded as one of India’s most significant trade arrangements with a European economic bloc, providing improved market access, greater investment certainty and enhanced opportunities for business collaboration across multiple high-value sectors.

His remarks come as India and Switzerland seek to broaden their economic and strategic engagement, with both sides exploring new avenues for cooperation in technology, industry and innovation.

Parmelin also identified India as an important partner in the lead-up to the next AI Summit in Geneva in June 2027. He expressed optimism that growing people-to-people connections would complement expanding commercial ties and further strengthen the overall relationship between the two countries.

ANI

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India-EU Trade Deal An ‘Almost Historic Step’, Says Wolfgang Ischinger As Strategic Partnership Expands

Munich Security Conference Foundation Council President Wolfgang Ischinger has described the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as an “almost historic step”, underlining the growing strategic, economic and security partnership between India and Europe.

During a visit to New Delhi, Ischinger held high-level discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and was scheduled to meet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He used the opportunity to highlight the strengthening relationship between India, Germany and the wider European Union.

The veteran German diplomat said India's foreign policy independence and strategic autonomy make it one of Europe’s most trusted international partners. According to him, Europe places significant value on working with reliable nations, and India’s long-standing position outside formal military alliances enhances its credibility on the global stage.

He stressed that trust remains the most important currency in diplomacy and said Europe views India as a dependable partner whose commitments can be relied upon. This foundation of trust, he argued, creates opportunities for even deeper cooperation in the years ahead.

Reflecting on the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement, Ischinger noted that it represents the largest and most comprehensive trade agreement ever negotiated by the European Union. He described the deal as a milestone achievement but urged both sides to regard it as the beginning, rather than the culmination, of a broader partnership.

He emphasised that India and Europe should now focus on expanding collaboration beyond trade and finance into a wide range of sectors, including science, education, advanced technology and security.

Particular attention was given to artificial intelligence, which Ischinger identified as a major area of shared interest. He pointed to India’s vast talent pool of software engineers and technology companies, arguing that these strengths align naturally with European ambitions in emerging technologies.

Beyond artificial intelligence, he highlighted opportunities for cooperation in scientific research, biotechnology, critical raw materials, innovation and industrial development. In his view, the scope for expanding the Europe-India relationship is exceptionally broad and continues to grow.

Ischinger also drew attention to maritime security, noting that both India and Europe have significant interests in maintaining stability across critical sea lanes. He suggested that security cooperation could become an increasingly important pillar of the partnership alongside economic engagement.

Addressing geopolitical issues, he reaffirmed India’s central role in Europe’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Describing New Delhi as Europe’s primary partner in the region, he said India occupies a pivotal position in Europe’s approach towards the Indo-Pacific and wider Asian security architecture.

The former ambassador further reiterated his support for India’s long-standing aspiration to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. He described the absence of such reform as unfortunate and argued that India has earned a place among the permanent members given its global stature and influence.

His remarks come at a time when India-EU relations are entering a new phase of engagement. The Free Trade Agreement, whose negotiations concluded in January 2026 after years of discussions, is regarded by both sides as one of the most significant trade accords ever reached between two major democratic economies. European institutions have projected that the agreement will boost trade, investment flows, supply-chain resilience and cooperation in sectors ranging from digital trade to advanced manufacturing.

Concluding his visit, Ischinger expressed hope that senior Indian ministers would participate in the forthcoming Munich Security Conference in Germany, providing another opportunity for India and Europe to engage with leading policymakers on major international security and strategic challenges.

ANI

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