Why is India strengthening ties with Europe?

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his grand tour of Europe this month in a visit which saw Modi wooing his European counterparts to expand trade and economic ties with the West. The six-day tour comes just a few months after the EU and India penned a free trade agreement, lifting tariffs on a large amount of exports. This time the green transition, technology, and energy security were at the centre of discussions. Modi’s visit began in the Netherlands, where he signed 17 pacts ranging from semi-conductor chips and critical materials to migration and renewable energy. Other stops on the tour included Sweden, Norway and Italy, where Modi met Italian PM Meloni. A viral video circulated of the pair, dubbed ‘Melodi’ as they spent time in Rome. Modi is facing a cost-of-living crisis at home. Massive geopolitical shifts during the US-Israeli War on Iran, and punitive trade tariffs imposed on India by the US, the nation’s largest trading partner in the west, have driven up prices. So, as India moves away from the US, is Modi successfully forging new, more lucrative partnerships in Europe? Joining Enda Brady for this discussion: Zubair Ahmed Journalist Swaran Singh Professor of International Relations Rajnish Singh Media Outreach Executive at the European Policy Centre #europe #india #eu #europeanpolitics #indiaeconomy Roundtable is a discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by Enda Brady, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view. From fierce debate to reflective thinking, Roundtable discussions offer a different perspective on the issues that matter to you. Watch it every weekday at 15:00 GMT on TRT World.