New Delhi (India), January 27 (ANI): India and the European Union on Tuesday signed a historic security and defense partnership, marking the first comprehensive defense and security framework between the two sides, as leaders of the two blocs agreed to significantly deepen cooperation in strategic, regional and global security areas.
In a joint statement issued after the 16th India-EU Summit held with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the leaders welcomed the signing of the Security and Defense Partnership (SDP), noting that the agreement would strengthen collaboration in the areas of maritime security, defense industry and technology, cyber and hybrid threats, space and counter-terrorism. terrorism, as well as in other areas.
They also welcomed the launch of negotiations on an India-EU information security agreement, which will facilitate the exchange of classified information and pave the way for closer security and defense cooperation.
Under this partnership, India and the EU agreed to transform existing security and defense consultations into an annual EU-India Security and Defense Dialogue, thereby institutionalizing regular high-level engagement, the statement said.
The two sides will also consult on their respective defense initiatives and explore possibilities for India’s participation in relevant EU defense programs, in accordance with their respective legal frameworks.
To strengthen defense industrial collaboration, the joint statement announces the establishment of an industry-led India-EU Defense Industry Forum, bringing together companies from both sides, with official observers and participation from EU member states. The forum will focus on identifying cooperation opportunities in the areas of manufacturing, innovation and defense technology.
The leaders also pledged to deepen their engagement on regional security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Both sides reaffirmed their support for a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, based on international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The EU will continue its engagement through its participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), its role as dialogue partner with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and its membership of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).
India and the EU further agreed to launch specific consultations on the Indo-Pacific region and explore cooperation through joint projects in third countries. They also pledged to intensify regular exchanges on regional and global issues, including efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Regarding the fight against traditional and emerging threats, the partnership emphasizes enhanced cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, terrorist financing, radicalization and violent extremism.
The two sides also agreed to intensify exchanges on hybrid threats, share best practices and develop strategies to counter cybersecurity and information challenges, the statement said.
The leaders described the signing of the Security and Defense Partnership as a major milestone in India-EU relations, reflecting growing strategic convergence and a shared commitment to strengthening regional and global peace, stability and security.
Praising the SDP, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said the agreement establishes an annual dialogue on security and defense, the first session of which is scheduled to take place within a month.
In an article on X, she acknowledged the change in the global landscape and the EU therefore remains committed to deepening diplomatic and economic partnerships around the world.
“When two great democracies act together, we build stronger shared security. It was a great pleasure to sign a new EU-India security and defense partnership with S Jaishankar today. The agreement launches an annual security and defense dialogue – the first meeting of which will take place in a month – and deepens cooperation on maritime security, cybersecurity issues and the fight against terrorism. We will also explore Indian participation in European defense initiatives. As the global order evolves, the EU will continue to deepen its diplomatic and economic ties across the world. Strong partnerships multiply our strength,” his message read.
With the signing of this agreement, India becomes the third Asian country to conclude such an agreement with the EU after Japan and South Korea. (ANI)
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