Vice-president of the European Commission, the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and the security policy Kaja Kallas and the EU commissioner for interinstitutional relations Marošfčovič in the Berlaymont building on September 17, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. Getty Images / Thierry Monasse
The European Commission has unveiled a new framework for strategic engagement with India, with security and defense as a priority. According to the document, the main objective of the partnership is to prevent the re -export of goods of European origin to Russia and to sanction escape via India.
The first EU diplomat, Kaja Kallas, stressed that security and defense constituted the heart of this partnership, but at the same time, he recognized that, due to the close ties of India with Moscow, there is currently no complete mutual understanding on the side of India.
Such problems set the tone for dialogue: India has participated in the “Zapad” exercises alongside the Russian and Belarusian forces near the eastern NATO flank. These steps have led to critical assessments from Brussels, as well as the Indian purchases of Russian energy supplies and weapons.
Key aspects of the EU strategic partnership with India
The European Union offers New Delhi the defense security and commitment framework, which would allow India to join the EU -Canada allies circle, United Kingdom, South Korea and Norway. The plan also provides for maritime security cooperation, the collaboration of the defense industry and the creation of a joint industrial forum.
The EU considers India as one of the most dynamic economies in the world and an important trading partner, despite difficult negotiations on a free trade agreement.
We live in turbulent times and we need cooperation. The question is simply to know if we will leave this niche to someone else.
On the day of the announcement of the plan, on September 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressing the intention to “further strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership” with Russia.
India aims to “further strengthen the special and privileged strategic partnership” with Russia.
The new format of EU’s external political commitment with India shows a desire to deepen cooperation in terms of security and technology, while emphasizing transparency and sanctions. The expectations for the partnership are to strengthen regional stability and to stimulate trade, but its implementation requires balanced the interests of the two parties and their allies.
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