EU envoy Jean-Eric Paquet presents credentials to President Murmu, pledges India partnership
Synopsis
The EU's new Ambassador to India, Jean-Eric Paquet, formally presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu on 25 September, calling the EU-India relationship 'one of the most defining of the 21st century.' His arrival signals fresh momentum on the EU-India FTA, defence cooperation, and Indo-Pacific stability — at a moment when both sides are moving from aspiration to action.
Key Takeaways
Jean-Eric Paquet presented his credentials as EU Ambassador to India to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 25 September 2026 .
Paquet described the EU-India Strategic Partnership as 'one of the most defining relationships of the 21st century.' He highlighted momentum in trade, defence, security, and research and innovation , and cited the EU-India Security and Defence Partnership as a key instrument.
Paquet flagged the broader Indo-Pacific as a region where EU-India cooperation carries global significance.
His tenure begins as talks on an EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) gain renewed momentum.
Paquet brings over 30 years of EU institutional experience, including stints as EU Ambassador to Japan (2022–2026) and Mauritania (2004–2007).
Jean-Eric Paquet, the newly appointed European Union (EU) Ambassador to India, presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at an official ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on 25 September 2026, formally beginning his tenure at a pivotal moment in EU-India relations. At the ceremony's conclusion, Paquet reaffirmed the EU's readiness to work closely with India across a broad range of shared priorities, including trade, defence, and innovation.
Paquet's Remarks After the Ceremony
'Honoured to present my credentials to the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. There is a strong momentum across trade, defence, security, Research and Innovation. Proud to represent EU in India at such an exciting time. Ready to collaborate and work on shared priorities,' Paquet said following the credential presentation.
Describing the EU-India Strategic Partnership as 'one of the most defining relationships of the 21st century', Paquet underscored its growing role in shaping global economic, technological, and geopolitical dynamics. 'With unprecedented momentum across trade, defence and security, research and innovation, it is an honour to represent the European Union in India at such a transformative juncture,' he added.
Defence, Indo-Pacific, and Bilateral Cooperation
Paquet drew particular attention to the strategic convergence between the two sides, stressing that EU-India cooperation carries significance well beyond bilateral ties. 'Our cooperation extends beyond bilateral ties — it has global significance, particularly in ensuring stability across the broader Indo-Pacific region,' he said.
He pointed to the EU-India Security and Defence Partnership agreement as a vehicle for deepening defence industrial cooperation and advancing alignment on defence initiatives. Paquet described India and the EU as 'not just partners' but 'architects of a shared future', committing to translate shared ambition into tangible outcomes in prosperity, security, and sustainability.
A Decisive Phase for EU-India Ties
Paquet's appointment comes as EU-India relations enter what observers describe as a decisive phase, with meaningful progress recorded across several sectors — most notably the long-negotiated Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has gained renewed momentum in recent months.
His tenure also coincides with growing alignment on supply chain resilience, clean energy transitions, and digital governance — areas where both sides have publicly committed to deeper engagement.
Paquet's Background and Diplomatic Career
Paquet brings over 30 years of public service within EU institutions to the role. He most recently served as EU Ambassador to Japan from 2022 to 2026, and previously held the position of EU Ambassador to Mauritania from 2004 to 2007. He has also served as Director for the Western Balkans in the European Commission, giving him wide-ranging experience across multilateral diplomacy and institutional policymaking.
With his arrival in New Delhi, both sides are expected to intensify engagement on the FTA timeline, as well as on defence and technology cooperation frameworks that have gained traction through recent summits.
Point of View
But his language is anything but routine. Invoking the Indo-Pacific, the defence partnership, and the FTA in a single breath signals that Brussels views its India relationship as a strategic hedge — not merely a trade corridor. The timing matters: the EU-India FTA has been in negotiation for over a decade, and Paquet's early emphasis on 'tangible commitment' over aspiration suggests pressure to deliver before political windows shift on either side. What mainstream coverage underplays is that his prior posting in Tokyo means he arrives with a sophisticated read of Indo-Pacific geopolitics — a lens that will likely shape how he frames EU-India cooperation in defence and technology well beyond bilateral niceties.
NationPress
25 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jean-Eric Paquet, the new EU Ambassador to India?
Jean-Eric Paquet is a seasoned EU diplomat with over 30 years of public service within EU institutions. He most recently served as EU Ambassador to Japan from 2022 to 2026, and previously held postings in Mauritania and roles within the European Commission, including Director for the Western Balkans.
What did EU Ambassador Paquet say after presenting his credentials?
Paquet said he was 'honoured' to present his credentials to President Murmu and emphasised strong momentum across trade, defence, security, and research and innovation. He described the EU-India relationship as 'one of the most defining of the 21st century' and called both sides 'architects of a shared future.'
What is the EU-India Security and Defence Partnership?
The EU-India Security and Defence Partnership is an agreement aimed at deepening defence industrial cooperation between the EU and India and advancing alignment on defence initiatives. Ambassador Paquet cited it as a key instrument for strengthening bilateral security ties.
Why does EU Ambassador Paquet's arrival matter for the EU-India FTA?
Paquet's tenure begins at a stage when the long-negotiated EU-India Free Trade Agreement has gained renewed momentum. His early public emphasis on translating 'ambition into action' suggests both sides are under pressure to move the trade deal forward after years of slow-moving negotiations.
What are the main areas of EU-India cooperation highlighted by Paquet?
Paquet highlighted trade, defence, security, research and innovation, and Indo-Pacific stability as the primary areas of EU-India cooperation. He also stressed the global significance of the partnership, particularly its role in ensuring stability in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
