India and the European Union are poised to elevate their strategic relationship with the signing of a historic Security and Defence Partnership, marking a significant expansion of cooperation beyond trade and diplomacy. The development was confirmed by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, ahead of a high-level European delegation’s visit to India next week.
EU and India Set to Sign Landmark Defence and Security Partnership
The agreement is expected to be formalised during the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, who will attend India’s Republic Day celebrations as chief guests. Alongside Kallas, the European leaders will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Expanding Strategic Cooperation
The proposed defence pact will focus on critical areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and defence cooperation. It reflects a growing convergence of interests as both sides respond to an increasingly complex global security environment. According to Kallas, preparations for the summit are progressing well, even as diplomatic and geopolitical challenges remain.
A key component of the evolving partnership is the planned Security of Information Agreement, aimed at improving intelligence sharing and coordination in response to emerging threats. EU officials view such frameworks as essential for enhancing mutual trust and operational collaboration in a volatile international landscape.
Trade and Economic Ties at the Core
Alongside security cooperation, economic engagement remains central to India-EU relations. Negotiations for a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are in their final stages, underscoring the importance of economic interdependence between the two partners. The EU is currently India’s largest trading partner in goods, with bilateral trade reaching USD 137.41 billion in 2023-24. Trade in services stood at USD 51.45 billion in 2023.
The EU is also a major source of foreign direct investment in India, accounting for nearly 17% of total FDI inflows. European investments play a crucial role in job creation and growth across sectors such as green technology, textiles, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.
Shared Values and Global Outlook
India and the EU are bound by shared commitments to democracy, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order. These common values underpin their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, where both sides seek to ensure freedom of navigation, secure sea lanes, and resilient global supply chains. Enhanced maritime domain awareness and resistance to coercive practices form key elements of this regional strategy.
The partnership also extends to people-to-people engagement. A proposed Memorandum of Understanding on a comprehensive mobility framework aims to facilitate easier movement for students, researchers, skilled professionals, and seasonal workers, while promoting innovation and academic collaboration.
Strategic Shifts and Global Context
Recent shifts in United States policy, including renewed trade tensions and controversial geopolitical demands under President Donald Trump, have added urgency to Europe’s efforts to diversify its strategic partnerships. These developments have prompted the EU to reassess traditional alliances and deepen engagement with like-minded partners such as India.
Emphasising the importance of decisive action, Kallas noted that major democracies cannot afford strategic hesitation in the current global climate. The forthcoming summit, she said, is designed to deliver concrete outcomes rather than symbolic commitments.
A New Chapter in India-EU Relations
The announcement of the defence and security pact signals a turning point in India-EU relations, reflecting a shift towards a more comprehensive and forward-looking partnership. As global instability grows, the upcoming summit is expected to lay the foundation for closer cooperation across defence, trade, technology, and people-centric initiatives—positioning India and the EU as stronger partners in shaping regional and global stability.
