The European Union is considering the establishment of a security and defense partnership with India, as announced by EU President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday during her visit to New Delhi. This announcement came ahead of her meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the growing strategic ties between the two regions.
Von der Leyen, who arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day official visit, is accompanied by a team of EU commissioners. This visit is seen as an effort to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations with India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, amid shifting global dynamics and strained relations with traditional allies like the United States. The move comes in the wake of recent trade tensions sparked by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on various nations.
The EU and India are also seeking to align their interests on several pressing global issues, including countering China’s expanding influence in the Asia-Pacific region, ensuring resilient supply chains, and addressing the governance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. During a public address in New Delhi, von der Leyen stated, “We are exploring the possibility of a future Security and Defence Partnership with India, similar to the partnerships we have established with Japan and South Korea.” She emphasized that such a partnership would enhance collaboration in tackling shared challenges, including cross-border terrorism, maritime security threats, cyberattacks, and the growing risk of attacks on critical infrastructure.
The EU is already India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods amounting to €124 billion ($130 billion) in 2023, accounting for over 12% of India’s total trade. However, despite the significant trade volume, India represents only 2.2% of the EU’s total goods trade, partly due to high tariffs that protect the Indian market. The EU is actively advocating for a comprehensive trade agreement that would reduce barriers for its exports, including automobiles, wines, spirits, and other goods. On the other hand, India is seeking increased EU investments in key sectors such as clean energy, urban infrastructure, and water management. Prime Minister Modi has also emphasized the importance of joint ventures and a more efficient migration policy for skilled Indian professionals working in Europe.
Von der Leyen acknowledged the challenges of finalizing a free trade agreement, stating, “An EU-India trade deal would be the largest of its kind globally. While it won’t be easy, timing and determination are critical. We have agreed with Prime Minister Modi to work toward concluding the agreement this year.” In addition to trade and defense, the two sides are expected to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. India, which has historically maintained close ties with Russia—its primary supplier of military equipment—has faced pressure from Western nations to distance itself from Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.
This visit underscores the EU’s efforts to diversify its partnerships and strengthen ties with India, a key player in the global economy and a strategic partner in addressing shared geopolitical and economic challenges.
