The European Union’s (EU) leadership is set to visit India on February 27-28. It will mark a big diplomatic engagement aimed at deepening ties across key areas of economic security, technology, and defence. During heightened global uncertainty and shifting geopolitical agendas, this visit will be watched to see how India-EU relations turn out. As both parties navigate a complex security environment, enhancing defence cooperation is expected to be a key focus of discussions.
Geopolitical Context: The Need for Stronger EU-India Defence Collaboration
The EU and India have a shared interest in maintaining a rules-based international order, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where growing security challenges necessitate greater cooperation. The EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy was launched in 2021. It emphasizes security, maritime cooperation, and stability in the region. This aligns well with India’s Act East policy and its aspirations as a regional security provider.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its broader impact on global security have also influenced the EU’s strategic approach. European nations are increasingly looking beyond traditional alliances and seeking stronger defence partnerships with like-minded nations. India has long maintained strategic autonomy in defence. The subcontinent is also diversifying its security partnerships beyond traditional allies like Russia and the United States. This convergence of interests provides fertile ground for deeper EU-India defence engagement.
Key Areas of Defence Cooperation Expected During the Visit
Strengthening Defence Trade and Industrial Collaboration
India has embarked on an ambitious path to modernize its defence sector through indigenous production and reduced dependence on foreign imports. The EU is home to some of the world’s leading defence manufacturers. Hence it has the potential to be a part of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiatives.
Countries like France, Germany, and Sweden are already key players in India’s defence procurement. France’s Rafale fighter jets, Germany’s interest in providing submarines, and Sweden’s Gripen aircraft proposal are prime examples of European defence technology making its way into India’s military arsenal. The EU visit may see discussions on expanding European participation in India’s defence industrial base. It can be done through joint ventures, technology transfers, and co-production arrangements.
A major area of focus will be easing regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles to facilitate European defence firms’ investment in India. Discussions may also include potential collaborations between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and leading European defence firms.
Maritime Security and Naval Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
Given the increasing militarization of the Indo-Pacific, both India and the EU recognize the need for stronger naval cooperation. The EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy emphasizes ensuring freedom of navigation and protecting global supply chains. These objectives align closely with India’s vision for maritime security.
European countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands have already increased their naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. The recent deployment of French and German warships to the region demonstrates Europe’s commitment to playing a greater role in regional security.
The EU visit will explore possibilities for more interoperability between European and Indian naval forces through joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and port calls. Strengthening cooperation under the EU’s Coordinated Maritime Presence initiative will also be on the agenda. It aims to ensure security in key maritime routes. India’s involvement in EU-led maritime missions such as Operation ATALANTA in the western Indian Ocean could be expanded.
Defence Technology and Cybersecurity Cooperation
As warfare increasingly moves into the digital and technological domains, collaboration in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and defence technology development will be a key area of focus. The EU and India have already established dialogues on cybersecurity and emerging technologies. This visit could lead to further institutionalized cooperation in these areas.
Cybersecurity threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, pose significant risks to both regions. With cyberattacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated, India and the EU must collaborate on securing critical infrastructure, sharing intelligence, and developing advanced cyber defence mechanisms.
Discussions are also likely to cover joint R&D initiatives in drone technology, space-based defence capabilities, and AI-driven military applications. The EU’s recent advancements in defence technology through the European Defence Fund (EDF) provide an opportunity for India to collaborate in cutting-edge defence innovations.
Expanding Defence Dialogues and Institutional Engagement
While India and individual EU member states have bilateral defence engagements, there is a growing need to institutionalize defence dialogues at the EU-India level. The India-EU Defence and Security Dialogue was established to enhance defence cooperation. It may be expanded to include structured engagements with the European Defence Agency (EDA) and other EU security bodies.
The EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) mechanism fosters deeper defence collaboration among member states. This could also be an avenue for India to explore. Though not an EU member, India’s participation in select PESCO projects, such as military mobility or counter-terrorism initiatives, could bolster its strategic engagement with European defence partners.
Arms Exports and Diversification of Defence Suppliers
India has historically relied on Russia for a significant portion of its defence imports. However, geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and diversification strategies have led India to explore alternative defence suppliers. European countries, with their advanced defence technologies, present a viable alternative.
India’s procurement interests may include advanced weapon systems, submarines, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and air defence systems. Additionally, India’s growing defence export ambitions align with European interests in expanding joint manufacturing and export partnerships to third countries.
Challenges and Roadblocks in EU-India Defence Ties
- Regulatory and Bureaucratic Hurdles: European defence firms often face regulatory challenges when entering India’s market due to complex procurement procedures and local content requirements.
- Strategic Autonomy Concerns: India’s preference for strategic autonomy means that it carefully balances its defence ties between multiple partners, which could limit deep integration with EU defence structures.
- Fragmentation Within the EU: The EU does not have a unified defence policy, with defence cooperation largely dependent on individual member states. This fragmentation can make large-scale defence agreements more complex.
A New Chapter in EU-India Defence Cooperation
The upcoming EU leadership visit to India is set to usher in a new chapter in bilateral defence cooperation. With shared strategic interests in securing the Indo-Pacific, advancing defence technology, and ensuring global stability, both sides stand to benefit from closer defence collaboration. While challenges remain, the visit provides an opportunity to lay the groundwork for long-term security partnerships, joint defence manufacturing, and deeper institutional engagements.
As Europe looks eastward and India diversifies its defence partnerships, the EU-India strategic partnership is poised to play an increasingly significant role in global security architecture. The coming years will likely see enhanced defence engagements, paving the way for a resilient and mutually beneficial security framework between India and the EU.
