The assertion that global tariff threats, particularly those emanating from protectionist policies of major economies, have pushed India and the European Union closer is largely accurate. Both India and the EU, as proponents of a rules-based multilateral trading system, found common ground in navigating a turbulent global trade environment. This shared challenge has provided a significant impetus to deepen their long-standing, yet often underperforming, partnership.

How Tariff Threats Fostered Closer Ties:

1. Diversification of Supply Chains: The imposition of tariffs and trade wars, especially between the US and China, highlighted the vulnerabilities of concentrated global supply chains. Both India and the EU sought to diversify their economic dependencies, with India emerging as an attractive alternative manufacturing hub for European companies adopting a 'China Plus One' strategy.
2. Shared Commitment to Multilateralism: Both India and the EU are strong advocates for the World Trade Organization (WTO) and a predictable, rules-based international trading order. Unilateral tariff actions challenged this shared principle, prompting them to collaborate more closely in defending multilateral trade norms.
3. Strategic Autonomy: Both entities are increasingly focused on enhancing their strategic autonomy – the ability to act independently in their own interests. This shared objective led to a search for reliable and like-minded partners, with India and the EU recognizing each other's strategic importance.

Evaluation of the India-EU Partnership:

The India-EU partnership is a relationship of immense potential, built on shared democratic values, economic complementarities, and converging strategic interests. It has seen significant momentum in recent years, particularly since the 2021 India-EU Leaders' Meeting.

Strengths:

• Economic Powerhouses: The EU is India's third-largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment. India, with its vast market and growing economy, offers substantial opportunities for European businesses. Bilateral trade in goods and services is substantial.
• Shared Values: Both are the world's largest democracies, committed to pluralism, human rights, and the rule of law, providing a strong normative foundation for cooperation.
• Strategic Convergence: Both share a vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, a commitment to climate action, and a belief in effective multilateralism. They cooperate on global issues like counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and sustainable development.
• Comprehensive Dialogue: The partnership encompasses a wide array of dialogues across trade, security, digital cooperation, climate change, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
• Trade and Technology Council (TTC): The establishment of the TTC in 2022, a high-level coordination mechanism, underscores the strategic importance both sides attach to cooperation on critical technologies, digital governance, and trade.
• Resumption of FTA Negotiations: The relaunch of negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) in 2022 is a significant step, signaling a strong political will to deepen economic integration.

Challenges:

• Pace of FTA Negotiations: Despite renewed efforts, FTA negotiations have historically been protracted due to differences on issues such as market access, tariffs, intellectual property rights, labor standards, and environmental regulations. Reaching a mutually beneficial agreement requires significant political will and compromise.
• Regulatory Divergence: Different regulatory frameworks and standards can create non-tariff barriers, hindering trade and investment flows.
• Geopolitical Priorities: While there is convergence, differences in approach to specific global or regional issues can sometimes emerge.
• Human Rights Concerns: The EU occasionally raises concerns about human rights and democratic freedoms in India, which can lead to diplomatic friction.

In conclusion, the global tariff threats and broader geopolitical shifts have indeed provided a strong impetus for India and the EU to recognize the strategic imperative of their partnership. While challenges persist, the shared values, substantial economic potential, and converging strategic interests make the India-EU relationship a crucial and increasingly robust pillar of both sides' foreign policy, with significant potential for future growth and deeper integration.