India-EU strategic agenda opens the door to green steel cooperation

The "Towards 2030: Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda" endorsed by India and the European Union on Tuesday is fundamentally changing steel's place in bilateral relations. The new framework goes beyond trade volumes to redefine the sector through decarbonisation, common standards, and demand from steel-consuming sectors.

The agenda builds on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) announced on 27 January. While end-user steel demand growth expectations are strengthening, short-term trade potential remains constrained by CBAM restrictions.

The new EU trade regime expected to take effect on 1 July does not grant FTA partners privileges in quota negotiations. However, Commissioner Sefcovic implied that India could be granted privileges as a new FTA partner. This indicates that difficult negotiations lie ahead before the agreement enters into force in 2027. Industry sources estimate that a relaxation in the tariff rate quota (TRQ) could be possible by 30 June.

The agenda's direct impact on steel trade remains limited. The document does not change CBAM or tariff applications. Its real value lies in regulatory alignment and long-term investment signals.

Common definitions for low-carbon steel

Steel is explicitly identified in the document as a "hard-to-abate, energy-intensive" sector. The parties committed to cooperation on low-carbon material definitions, aiming to establish common benchmarks and ensure a level playing field. Experience sharing between India's Carbon Credit Trading System (CCTS) and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is also part of the agenda.

The EU had previously confirmed that carbon prices paid under India's CCTS could be deducted from CBAM obligations — subject to alignment of pricing, timing, and verification systems. While this does not ease export costs in the short term, it provides predictability for Indian producers investing in decarbonisation.

Hydrogen is one of the agenda's prominent topics. The India-EU Green Hydrogen Task Force, focusing on heavy industry, is preparing the ground for a medium-term technological transition to hydrogen-based direct reduced iron production and low-emission steelmaking.

The real impact is in end-user demand

The fastest reflection will emerge in end-user demand. Infrastructure and connectivity projects feature prominently in the document. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is chief among these. Railway cooperation covering high-speed rail standards, automation, and maintenance systems will support long-term demand for steel rails, structural profiles, and specialised plates.

Maritime cooperation also holds opportunities for the steel sector. The agenda promotes green shipbuilding ecosystems and green maritime corridors. Recognition of Indian ship recycling facilities under EU-compliant frameworks will facilitate domestic scrap supply and support the recycling economy.

Energy transition initiatives create additional demand. Cooperation in wind energy, smart grids, and energy storage is boosting demand for heavy plate and electrical steel.

Financing mechanisms in play

The agenda presents a multi-faceted financing strategy capable of covering the high investment costs required for India's green steel transition. The Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) reinforces investor confidence with predictable standards. Team Europe Global Gateway and the European Investment Bank can provide large-scale project financing. The Global Green Bond Initiative and Blue Valleys programme can accelerate private sector participation in hard-to-abate sectors by providing resources.