As part of an important effort to strengthen security and defense cooperation, the European Union (EU) recently organized a three-day study visit for senior Indian officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MEA) and the Ministry of Defense. The visit, organized in Europe, aimed to deepen ties between India and the EU, focusing specifically on Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) missions and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. .
The initiative was facilitated by the EU Delegation to India and the EU-funded Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA) project. The Indian delegation, led by Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary of the Division for Disarmament and International Security Affairs, was accompanied by Captain Fabrizio Falzi, Defense Attaché of the EU Delegation to India. Their mission was to engage in detailed discussions on how the two sides could collaborate on security issues, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where India and the EU have important strategic interests.
Promoting cooperation on maritime security
One of the main objectives of the visit was to explore how the EU and India can strengthen their cooperation on maritime security. The EU Ambassador to India, Hervé Delphin, highlighted the growing importance of such collaborations, particularly in light of the operations carried out by the Indian Navy and the EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) in the Indian Ocean . Delphin said: “This visit highlights India and the EU’s shared commitment to strengthening security and defense ties. Maritime security is a common concern and a primary objective of cooperation.
He stressed the importance of establishing more permanent interactions between staffs, including with military personnel, to advance joint operational effectiveness. “To take our partnership to new heights, we aim to establish more permanent interactions between employees, including with military personnel. This will strengthen our joint operational effectiveness to meet the challenges we face at sea, but also on land and in cyberspace,” he added.
Strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific region, with its growing interdependence on global economies and critical maritime supply chains, remains a focal point for India and the EU. Ambassador Delphin reiterated the EU’s commitment to ensuring a free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime order in this strategically vital region. He remarked: “The Indo-Pacific region is a vital hub of strategic importance to both India and the EU due to the growing interdependence of global economies and the importance of global trade chains. maritime supplies. We are committed to forging closer cooperation with India to ensure a free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime order.
The EU CSDP enables the Union to play a central role in peacekeeping, conflict prevention and international security operations, with EUNAVFOR ATALANTA forming a crucial element of naval diplomacy in Indo -Peaceful. Through this visit, Indian officials gained an overview of the EU’s efforts under the CSDP, thereby reinforcing India’s role as a key partner in ensuring security and stability in the Indo- Peaceful.
Deepen strategic understanding
During the visit, Indian officials participated in briefings and discussions with various EU bodies, including the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Security and Defense College and the military headquarters of the European Union. Interactions also took place with the European Maritime Safety Agency and FRONTEX, which facilitated conversations on areas of mutual interest and collaboration, notably between the EU and the Indian Coast Guard.
These engagements allowed Indian and European officials to exchange views on strategic and operational frameworks, thereby fostering deeper mutual understanding. Discussions focused on EU initiatives in peacekeeping and conflict prevention, thereby strengthening the EU-India strategic partnership, anchored in common security objectives.
Spotlight on EU maritime security operations
One of the highlights of the study visit was the delegation’s visit to the headquarters of the EU Naval Force Operation ATALANTA (EUNAVFOR) in Rota, Spain. The headquarters oversees EU maritime CSDP activities in the Horn of Africa and the Western Indian Ocean, providing Indian officials with direct insight into EU efforts in these critical areas.
The partnership between EUNAVFOR ATALANTA and India has grown significantly in recent years. In August 2023, EUNAVFOR flagship ITS Durand De La Penne conducted a joint activity with Indian destroyer INS Visakhapatnam. This joint exercise highlighted the cooperation between the EU and India to ensure security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.
As the EU and India continue to strengthen their defense cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain, this study visit marked an important step in strengthening mutual understanding and operational synergy. Both sides remain committed to addressing common security challenges and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
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