Wed Sep 17 16:17:21 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article and a rewritten version as a news article from an Indian perspective:

**Summary:**

The European Union has unveiled a new strategic agenda aimed at strengthening ties with India in areas like trade, technology, and security. However, the EU has voiced concerns over India’s continued military exercises with Russia and its purchase of Russian oil, seeing these as potential obstacles to closer cooperation. The EU hopes to address these concerns in upcoming negotiations, aiming for a joint roadmap to be adopted at the next EU-India summit. India has expressed its commitment to resolving the Ukraine conflict peacefully. Both India and the EU are motivated to deepen their partnership amidst global uncertainties and trade challenges with the U.S. The FTA negotiations are ongoing, with some sticking points around agricultural tariffs and non-tariff barriers.

**News Article:**

**EU Courts India with Strategic Agenda, Raises Concerns Over Russia Ties**

**New Delhi, September 18, 2025:** The European Union has unveiled a new strategic agenda designed to deepen cooperation with India across several key sectors, including trade, technology, security, and climate. However, Brussels has also expressed concerns regarding India’s ongoing relationship with Russia, potentially casting a shadow over the burgeoning partnership.

The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, emphasized India’s “crucial” role in the international arena, outlining the agenda at a press conference in Brussels. The initiative comes as India and the EU are actively negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA), with the aim of boosting trade and investment between the two regions.

While welcoming the EU’s overtures, Indian officials are carefully considering the concerns raised by Brussels. The EU is wary of India’s participation in Russian military exercises and its continued purchase of Russian oil, viewing these as actions that could undermine the “rules-based international order.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded that he was “delighted” by the adoption of the new strategic document. He reiterated India’s commitment to a “peaceful resolution” to the Ukraine conflict following a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to address these concerns in upcoming trade negotiations, scheduled to resume in Brussels next month. Sources indicate that India is committed to maintaining its independent foreign policy while seeking common ground with the EU.

“We value our strategic autonomy and will make decisions based on our national interest,” a senior government official stated, on condition of anonymity. “We are open to dialogue and addressing concerns, but we will not compromise our relationships with other countries.”

Negotiations on the FTA are expected to be challenging, with disagreements remaining on agricultural tariffs and non-tariff barriers. The EU has pointed to India’s Qualitative Control Orders (QCOs) as a key area of concern.

Despite these challenges, both India and the EU recognize the strategic importance of strengthening their ties in the face of increasing global uncertainty and strained relations with the United States. The thawing relations with the U.S. after President Trump’s call to PM Modi on his birthday has been a welcome change. The 14th round of trade talks will be closely watched as both sides seek a mutually beneficial outcome. The talks are scheduled to begin on October 6th.

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