European Union/India: Joint Strategic Agenda Includes Launch of EU Move Information Center in India
January 29, 2026
On January 27, 2026, the European Union and India agreed to a Joint EU-India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda. According to the official EU press release, the agenda includes the following immigration related plans, among other initiatives:
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- Launching a pilot European Legal Gateway Office in India, initially with a focus on the information and communication sector. The office – which is not yet in effect – would be a one-stop hub for providing information and supporting foreign talent seeking to move to the European Union. Further details about the scope of office services and its commencement date have not yet been announced. Although it remains to be confirmed, immigration practitioners do not currently expect this office to provide application processing services.
- Facilitating the development and mutual recognition of skills and qualifications, including through the EU-India Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility. Additionally, supporting mobility schemes in critical tech sectors, including under Horizon Europe and Indian fellowship programs.
- Boosting higher and vocational education and researcher cooperation and exchange, as well as initiating a high-level Education and Skills Dialogue.
- Boosting tourism sector cooperation, and further modernizing and digitalizing Schengen visa procedures.
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This agenda – which is distinct from the free trade agreement between the European Union and India agreed in the same week – does not create binding obligations between the European Union and India. Additionally, many of the proposed policies and programs will not come into effect in the short term as they are linked to, and often contingent upon, broader multi-year projects coming to completion.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
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