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EU

EU (India & Major Powers).

Syllabus: UPSC Mains GS2: India & neighbourhood, groupings, international institutions, diaspora

In the news

GS2 · IR

India-UK JETCO: first review of the trade deal (CETA) since it came into force

The 16th India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) met in New Delhi on 12 October 2026. It was the first JETCO since CETA talks began in January 2022. Both sides reviewed early trade under CETA, agreed to share data every year on its use, and fixed the 17th JETCO for the UK in 2027.

UPSC angle: Prelims: JETCO, CETA, eCoO 2.0, tariff-rate quota. · Mains GS-II/GS-III: India-UK relations; FTAs and exports.

12 Oct 2026

GS2 · IR

Swiss President’s State Visit: migration pact, young professionals

During the Swiss President's State Visit to India from 5 to 7 October 2026, the two countries signed a Migration and Mobility Partnership offering multiple-entry visas of up to five years and renewable one-year student permits. A Young Professionals agreement allows 300 exchanges a year each way, which may rise to 500. A transport technology MoU was also signed.

UPSC angle: Prelims: EFTA members. · Mains GS-II: India-Europe relations, diaspora.

5 Oct 2026

GS2 · India–France

Exercise VARUNA 2026: INS Trishul at Toulon for 24th India–France naval exercise

INS Trishul reached Toulon, France, on 22 September 2026 for the 24th edition of VARUNA, the bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy. It includes harbour and sea phases with cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sports, to build interoperability.

UPSC angle: Prelims: VARUNA = India–France navy.

24 Sep 2026

GS2 · India–EU

Belgian PM visit: India–EU FTA and Antwerp-Bruges link highlighted

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever visited India from 2 to 4 September 2026, his first visit since taking office in February 2025. The joint statement backed early implementation of the India-EU FTA, launched an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism and welcomed a defence Letter of Intent. In Mumbai, the Commerce Minister pitched Antwerp-Bruges as India's gateway into Europe.

UPSC angle: Mains: Significance of the India–EU FTA.

4 Sep 2026

GS2 · IR

President’s first visits to Moldova and North Macedonia

President Droupadi Murmu was to make State Visits to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania from 19 to 25 July 2026, MEA said on 17 July. The Moldova and North Macedonia legs are the first ever by an Indian President. The Romania leg is the first presidential visit there after a gap of over three decades.

UPSC angle: Prelims: none. · Mains: India and Central/Eastern Europe.

17 Jul 2026

GS2 · IR

Third India-EU Trade and Technology Council in Brussels

The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) met for the third time in Brussels on 15 July 2026. India and the EU agreed to begin formal talks on India joining Horizon Europe, set up a first Innovation Hub on EV charging, and explore a DigiLocker-EU wallet pilot and a joint AI roadmap.

UPSC angle: Prelims: TTC set up in April 2022. · Mains: India-EU strategic partnership.

15 Jul 2026