EU, India To Explore Defence Cooperation Amid Global Security Shifts: Report

The European Union and India will explore options for New Delhi to take part in European defence initiatives, according to a draft security and defence partnership accessed by Reuters.

The draft says the

EU and India will consult on their defence initiatives, including exchanges linked to the defence industry. It adds that both sides will look at possible Indian participation in relevant EU defence projects where there is shared interest and aligned security priorities, in line with their legal frameworks.

Security and defence dialogue

The partnership proposes an annual EU-India dialogue on security and defence. It also plans to deepen cooperation in areas such as maritime security, cyber issues and counterterrorism.

The document says growing global security threats, rising geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change highlight the need for closer EU-India cooperation in defence and security matters.

The partnership comes as Europe looks to reduce its reliance on the United States and China, while strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with other regions, including India.

The draft agreement is set to be signed on Tuesday.

Trade talks

India and the EU are also expected to announce the conclusion of long-running negotiations on a free trade agreement on Tuesday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that a successful India plays a key role in making the world more stable, prosperous and secure. She attended India’s Republic Day parade as chief guest.

Calling her presence an “honour of a lifetime,” von der Leyen joined European Council President António Costa as India marked its 77th Republic Day at Kartavya Path.

She is on a three-day visit to India and is scheduled to hold summit-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, January 27, when the two sides are expected to announce the trade deal.