India and European Union Sign Landmark Security and Defence Partnership
In a significant diplomatic development, India and the European Union have officially signed the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership, marking the first overarching defence and security framework between the two major global entities. The historic agreement was formalized during a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy Kaja Kallas exchanging documents at Hyderabad House.
Comprehensive Framework for Enhanced Cooperation
The newly established partnership is designed to significantly deepen bilateral ties across multiple critical security domains. Key areas of collaboration outlined in the agreement include:
- Maritime Security: Strengthening cooperation in maritime domains to ensure safe and secure sea lanes
- Defence Industry and Technology: Fostering collaboration in defence manufacturing and technological advancements
- Cyber and Hybrid Threats: Addressing emerging challenges in cybersecurity and hybrid warfare scenarios
- Space Security: Enhancing cooperation in space-related security matters
- Counter-Terrorism: Joint efforts to combat terrorism through intelligence sharing and coordinated actions
Leadership Perspectives on the Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the foundational importance of defence and security in international partnerships, stating, "Defence and security are a foundation for any strong partnership. Today, we are making this official through a Security and Defence Partnership. This will help us work more closely on counter-terrorism, maritime security, and cybersecurity."
The Prime Minister further highlighted that this agreement would strengthen the shared commitment to a rules-based international order, enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, and create new opportunities for defence companies to engage in co-development and co-production initiatives.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the partnership as a landmark departure, noting, "We are also delivering security for our people in an increasingly insecure world. Today, the world's two largest economies and democracies launch their first ever security and defence partnership."
Security of Information Agreement and Counter-Terrorism Measures
Both sides welcomed the launch of negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement, which will facilitate the exchange of classified information and pave the way for stronger cooperation in security and defence matters. This agreement is expected to create a secure framework for sharing sensitive intelligence and strategic information.
In a strong joint statement, the leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They specifically condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 last year and the terror incident near Red Fort on November 10 last year.
The two sides called for decisive and concerted international efforts to combat terrorism comprehensively and sustainably, in accordance with international law. This shared commitment underscores their determination to address global security challenges through coordinated action.
Strategic Implications and Future Prospects
This historic partnership represents a significant milestone in India-EU relations, reflecting their growing strategic alignment in an increasingly complex global security environment. The agreement not only formalizes existing cooperation but also establishes a structured framework for future collaboration across multiple security domains.
The partnership is expected to have far-reaching implications for regional security dynamics, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where both India and the EU have significant strategic interests. By combining their resources, technological capabilities, and intelligence networks, the two entities aim to create a more secure and stable international order.
As the world's two largest democracies and major economic powers, India and the European Union have demonstrated their commitment to addressing contemporary security challenges through this comprehensive partnership, setting a precedent for future international security cooperation.
