Focus on AI, quantum tech as India, EU look to enhance ties

India and the European Union may intensify their cooperation for a rules-based global digital order, focusing on areas such as AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, cybersecurity and digital public infrastructure (DPI) — particularly the India stack —to help develop the “Eurostack” for delivering services to citizens of the 27-country bloc, people aware of the development said.

- Rajeev Jayaswal

India and the EU are set to announce the close of negotiations for their mega free trade deal on January 27, which will lay a foundation to build deeper strategic cooperation in key areas, including ajust global digital order, the people said on condition of anonymity.

Both the EU and India are “stable and reliable” world powers committed to a just and equitable global order. Although the two partners have similar cooperation under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), this could be strengthened with other like-minded partners such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Canada.

During its G20 presidency in 2023, India offered to share its widely acknowledged DPI system (India stack) with the global community, particularly the Global South, to provide seamless delivery of welfare schemes to millions of citizens at the click of a button.