In a move to strengthen India-EU defence collaboration, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth met with European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, in New Delhi on Wednesday. The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral defence ties, with a focus on maritime security and intelligence sharing in the Indo-Pacific region.
The meeting underscored the growing defence collaboration between India and the EU, with both sides exploring avenues for increased industrial cooperation. Talks included the participation of European defence firms in joint ventures and co-production initiatives in India, along with the possibility of Indian involvement in the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework. Kubilius’ visit comes as part of a high-level delegation led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, accompanied by the College of Commissioners.
The broader India-EU engagement was further highlighted as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with von der Leyen, emphasizing the commitment to deepening ties. Jaishankar, in a social media post, praised the EU’s vision for reenergizing strategic relations with India, noting the importance of sustained ministerial-level engagement on both sides.
India has been a strategic partner of the European Union since 2004, and the two entities celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2022. Their current collaboration is guided by the EU-India Strategic Partnership Roadmap (2020-2025), the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, and the Global Gateway initiative. Trade negotiations have also been a key priority, with India and the EU resuming Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks in 2022. The next round of discussions is scheduled for March 10-14 in Brussels.
Addressing a think tank, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated her commitment to finalizing the trade deal, calling it the largest of its kind. “We know it will not be easy, but we are determined. This partnership comes at the right moment for both of us, and we are pushing to get it done this year,” she said.
(Inputs from ANI)
