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India and European: India and the European Union moved a step closer on strategic cooperation after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held discussions with a senior EU delegation led by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The meeting took place as both sides prepared to formalise a new Security and Defence Partnership, reflecting growing alignment on regional and global security challenges.

High-Level Talks Signal Deeper Strategic Engagement

The discussions brought together India’s defence leadership, including the three service chiefs, and senior European officials. Both sides reviewed avenues to strengthen cooperation across defence capabilities, counterterrorism efforts, and emerging security domains such as cyber and maritime security. The engagement highlighted a shared intent to elevate bilateral ties beyond traditional diplomatic engagement into more structured security collaboration.

Shared Democratic Values as Foundation

Addressing the delegation, Rajnath Singh underlined that common democratic principles form the backbone of the expanding relationship between India and the European Union. He noted that values such as democracy, pluralism, federalism, and adherence to the rule of law have helped build trust between the two sides. According to Singh, these principles are now being translated into practical cooperation aimed at enhancing global security, promoting sustainable development, and supporting inclusive economic growth.

Technology and Defence Cooperation Gains Momentum

Singh also referred to the recently concluded technology and defence partnership, describing it as evidence of growing confidence between India and the EU. He said the agreement reflects mutual trust at a time of increasing global uncertainty and expressed optimism that stronger engagement in economic ties, defence cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges would bring India and Europe closer. He added that the partnership acknowledges the historical depth of both civilizations while focusing on future-oriented collaboration.

European Union Sees Milestone in Partnership

Kaja Kallas welcomed the discussions and recalled her participation in India’s Republic Day celebrations, calling the experience memorable. She noted that the presence of EU-linked operations in the parade symbolised the extent of cooperation already achieved. Kallas described the Security and Defence Partnership as a significant milestone and said it opens the door to expanded collaboration, both bilaterally and within multilateral forums. She expressed confidence that the talks would lead to sustained defence cooperation in the years ahead.

Framework Aligned With EU’s Broader Security Strategy

According to the European Council, security and defence partnerships are a central element of the European Union’s broader strategy to promote peace and stability in Europe and beyond. These partnerships are designed to deepen ties with non-EU countries through flexible frameworks that reflect shared interests and mutual benefits. The approach allows for tailored cooperation based on each partner’s priorities.

Formal Signing at India-EU Summit

The partnership is set to be formally signed during the 16th India-EU Summit, scheduled to take place later the same day. The summit will be co-chaired by the President of the European Council, Antonio Luís Santos da Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, both of whom are on a state visit to India. The summit is expected to review the broader India-EU relationship and outline future areas of cooperation.

India Joins Select Group of EU Defence Partners

With the signing of the agreement, India becomes the third country in Asia to enter into a security and defence partnership with the European Union, following Japan and South Korea. EU officials have stated that the agreement is expected to deliver tangible outcomes in areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism.

Part of the Strategic Compass Vision

The partnership also aligns with the EU’s Strategic Compass, adopted in March 2022, which sets out the bloc’s long-term security and defence objectives. Under this framework, the EU committed to closer and more consistent engagement with key partners worldwide. While each partnership is customised, they typically encompass cooperation in peacebuilding, crisis management, conflict prevention, and defence capability development.