EU, India To Strengthen Ties With New Security And Defence Partnership

Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas on Thursday called India 'indispensable' to Europe's economic and strategic future. The EU has moved forward with a new security and defence partnership with India.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kallas wrote, "Europe is ready to deliver on a powerful new agenda with India.  Today, the EU agreed to move forward with the signature of a new Security and Defence Partnership.  It will expand our cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism and cyber-defence. I look forward to signing it next week during the EU-India Summit in New Delhi."

Addressing the European Parliament, Kallas said the EU is prepared to advance a new agenda with India spanning trade, security, technology and mobility. Her remarks come as both sides ready a set of concrete deliverables for the high‑profile summit, which will see the presence of the EU's top institutional heads.

Kallas described the summit as a 'pivotal moment' driven by renewed political momentum, arguing that the EU and India are drawing closer amid geopolitical instability, conflict and increasing economic fragmentation. As major democracies, she said, both share responsibility for defending the international rules‑based order.

A new joint EU‑India strategic agenda, setting priorities through 2030, will be the centrepiece of the summit. Kallas said the document would move the partnership 'from words to actions.' The three key outcomes expected to be finalised are as follows, as per NDTV.

1. Free Trade Agreement push: Both sides aim to accelerate negotiations on the long‑pending EU‑India Free Trade Agreement. Kallas noted that a deal would open markets, reduce barriers and reinforce supply chains in sectors such as clean technologies, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.
2. Security and defence partnership: The EU has approved moving ahead with the signing of a new Security and Defence Partnership in New Delhi. The agreement will expand cooperation on maritime security, counterterrorism and cyber‑defence, and will be followed by talks on a security of information pact.
3. Mobility framework: A memorandum of understanding on mobility is expected to ease movement for seasonal workers, students, researchers and skilled professionals, while enhancing collaboration in research and innovation.
Kallas underscored the economic significance of the partnership, noting India's rising role in Europe's resilience strategy, especially in clean energy and climate cooperation. She also highlighted progress under the EU‑India Trade and Technology Council, which is shaping collaboration on AI, semiconductors and digital infrastructure.

Kallas pointed out to the Indo‑Pacific as another critical pillar, saying Europe and India must work together to protect open sea lanes, strengthen maritime awareness and push back against coercion. She acknowledged difficult negotiations on the joint agenda and said both sides remain determined to deliver results. 

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