India and EU Strengthen Ties on Security and Defence
India and the European Union (EU) are ramping up their partnership, especially in security and defence. On Friday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the EU’s Political and Security Committee (PSC) in New Delhi. Both sides cheered the growing high-level talks and steady interactions across sectors.
This was the PSC’s first visit to Asia. The 30-member team, led by Chair Delphine Pronk, included ambassadors from EU countries and officials from the European Commission and European External Action Service. Joining Misri from the Indian side were Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) Sibi George, and other top officials.
Talks zeroed in on boosting India-EU cooperation in various fields, with a big focus on security and defence. They reaffirmed their push for a quick wrap-up of the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership and the Security of Information Agreement. Leaders also urged negotiators to seal the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by year’s end. The group swapped views on recent regional and global events, according to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement.
During their two-day trip, PSC members chatted with India’s Defence Secretary, got a rundown on the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), and connected with Indian defence industry reps. The MEA noted this visit builds on the EU College of Commissioners’ landmark trip to India in February 2025, signaling a stronger India-EU Strategic Partnership.
India and the EU keep up regular chats on security and defence through bilateral dialogues. They cover maritime security, cyber threats, and counter-terrorism. Both are eyeing more teamwork in defence manufacturing and industry.
Just days earlier, on September 9, India and the EU held their 15th Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism (CT) meeting in Brussels. They slammed terrorism in all forms, including cross-border attacks, and agreed it’s a worldwide issue needing united, ongoing efforts.
The session, co-chaired by Maciej Stadejek from the European External Action Service and K D Dewal from India’s MEA, saw both sides condemn the brutal April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. The EU offered fresh condolences for the loss of innocent lives.
They highlighted teamwork in global forums like the United Nations, Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), and FATF. Discussions covered threat assessments at home, in regions, and worldwide. Instability and conflicts fuel terrorism and extremism, the group stressed.
India and the EU shared updates on their counter-terrorism strategies. Key topics included fighting terror financing, stopping online radicalization, listing terrorists and groups, and tackling risks from new tech like AI and drones. The EU’s statement echoed these points, underlining shared goals in the global fight against terrorism.
This fresh momentum shows India and the EU are serious about deeper ties in security, defence, and beyond.
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