The New Delhi FTA talks come at a strategically opportune moment for India, which now holds the upper hand and may be in a position to extract key concessions from Brussels.
Move away from heavy carbohydrate-dominant meals. Increase protein using familiar South Asian foods such as dal, chickpeas, paneer, curd, eggs, and sprouts. Incorporate Sabja (sweet basil seeds) and Isabgol (psyllium husk) daily — these traditional ingredients are excellent for stabilizing blood sugar and improving gut health. A rough 1:1 protein-to-carbohydrate ratio in main meals can significantly reduce inflammation.
A measles outbreak is not a military invasion, but it is a non-traditional security threat of the highest order. It erodes the foundational capabilities of a population, destabilizes social cohesion, and exposes the fragility of state institutions. When nine out of ten cases are among children aged 1 to 14, we are not witnessing a natural disaster. We are witnessing a governance failure with profound security implications.
That silence is particularly striking because Bangladesh’s measles outbreak is no longer merely a domestic public health issue. It carries significant regional implications, especially for neighboring India, as India and Bangladesh share one of the world’s longest land borders, extensive population movement, and deeply interconnected economic and social networks.
And perhaps the greatest truth is this: when veterinarians do their work properly, the world stays normal. People drink milk without fear. Farmers sleep without panic. Markets remain stable. Outbreaks do not explode into disasters. Children grow up safer. Communities remain healthier. The world continues smoothly, unaware of how close it often stands to crisis.
The New Delhi FTA talks come at a strategically opportune moment for India, which now holds the upper hand and may be in a position to extract key concessions from Brussels.
Analysts argue that India’s commercial ties should not be penalized for its 'strategic autonomy' in foreign policy. With the next round of negotiations scheduled for September, the episode has added a layer of diplomatic sensitivity to an already delicate balancing act.
Expressing the wider European mood, a Brussels-based think tank, the European Policy Centre, commented that the summit “was no occasion for fireworks. If the political and diplomatic ties between the two sides have been gradually deteriorating in recent years, economic and trade relations, although still strong, also show no signs of improving.”
Over the years, European societies have become more diverse, more open, and more global. Young people are growing up with different ideas about gender, religion, and identity. But not everyone feels comfortable with these changes. Some people feel like they are being left behind. They worry that their traditions and ways of life are disappearing.
FATF has expressed concerns that certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Nepal may be vulnerable to misuse for illicit financial activities that has grave implications for the region, particularly with India with which it shares an open border
An EU statement after the Brussels meeting noted that “the human rights situation continues to deteriorate—especially for women and girls—prompting strong calls for a united international response”. Notably, the EU stopped short of outright condemnation of the Taliban, signalling a potentially softer stance
There were concerns that India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the EU’s cautious and ambivalent approach to the Kashmir issue could undermine their strategic partnership. However, amid evolving and complex global security challenges, pragmatism and mutual interests have ultimately prevailed.
Because of the increasing competition from other major trading blocs, the 27-member European bloc finds itself compelled to expedite FTA negotiations to secure favorable terms and strengthen its strategic and economic ties with India as soon as possible.
The survey concludes that shared democratic values and economic complementarities provide a strong basis for expanding EU–India relations. However, Europe’s perceived economic and military weakness continues to constrain its influence in Indian strategic thinking. The report argues that Europe will need to strengthen its geopolitical credibility if it wishes to emerge as a more influential partner for India.
Free trade agreements are not mere documents to be rushed through for headlines. Their consequences are far-reaching — impacting farmers, workers, businesses, and consumers on both continents. Each clause carries weight. Every concession can ripple across entire sectors. Responsible negotiation demands painstaking attention to detail, particularly when bridging economies as different and politically complex as those of India and the EU.
According to EU figures, 8,975 Indians filed for asylum applications across the EU in 2023. This figure fell to 8,676 in 2024. A total of 40,385 citizens from Bangladesh applied for asylum in the year 2023, which increased to 42, 236 in 2024. The EU figures did not mention the grounds for those seeking asylum from India or Bangladesh.