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New Delhi: India and the European Union on Tuesday strengthened strategic ties by moving closer to a Security and Defence Partnership, which the EU described as a major milestone in bilateral relations.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met a high-level European Union delegation led by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The three Chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces also attended the meeting.
Partnership to Deepen Defence Cooperation
The new partnership focuses on defence cooperation, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security. It aims to address shared security challenges in a rapidly changing global environment.
Rajnath Singh said shared democratic values form the base of the India-EU relationship. He stressed that democracy, pluralism, and the rule of law bring both sides closer.
He added that the technology and defence partnership reflects strong mutual trust. According to him, growing cooperation in defence, economy, and people-to-people ties will strengthen relations further.
EU Calls Deal a Key Milestone
Kaja Kallas called the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership a milestone. She said the agreement opens new opportunities for cooperation in bilateral and multilateral forums.
She also praised India’s Republic Day celebrations. Kallas noted that EU participation in the parade highlighted strong coordination between the two sides.
She said the partnership will deliver concrete results in maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism.
Formal Signing at India-EU Summit
The formal signing will take place during the 16th India-EU Summit later today. The summit will be co-chaired by European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who are on a State Visit to India.
Earlier, Kallas said there is strong momentum for closer cooperation with India. She added that the European Union plans to build on this progress.
India Third Asian Nation to Sign Pact
With this agreement, India becomes the third Asian country to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU, after Japan and South Korea.
According to the European Council, such partnerships support the EU’s Strategic Compass. The framework strengthens peace, crisis management, and defence capabilities through trusted global partners.
The India-EU Security and Defence Partnership marks a major step towards stronger global security cooperation.
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