New Delhi/Brussels: The European Union and India have agreed to move forward with a new EU-India Security and Defence Partnership, significantly expanding cooperation in key areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity and counter-terrorism, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said on Wednesday.
Addressing a plenary session of the European Parliament ahead of the 60th EU-India Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi on January 27, Kallas said the proposed partnership reflects a shared understanding that closer security coordination is essential in an increasingly volatile global environment.
“In a more dangerous world, we will both gain from working closely together,” she said, adding that negotiations would also begin on a security of information agreement to enable deeper collaboration in sensitive strategic areas.
Alongside the security and defence partnership, the EU and India are aiming to conclude negotiations on a long-pending Free Trade Agreement. Kallas said the deal would help open markets, reduce barriers and strengthen critical supply chains in sectors such as clean technologies, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.
She also announced plans to finalise a memorandum of understanding on a comprehensive mobility framework, designed to facilitate the movement of students, researchers, seasonal workers and highly skilled professionals, while boosting cooperation in research and innovation.
Describing the upcoming summit as a “pivotal moment” in EU-India relations, Kallas said it comes amid renewed political momentum and a strong commitment on both sides to deliver tangible outcomes. She noted that discussions on the joint statement and a new strategic agenda were progressing well, despite some challenges in preparations.
The summit is expected to adopt a new EU-India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda for 2030, laying the foundation for deeper engagement across trade, security, technology and mobility. Kallas said leaders would endorse several concrete deliverables aimed at translating political intent into action.
Placing the partnership in a wider geopolitical context, she said Europe and India are drawing closer at a time when the rules-based international order is under strain due to conflict, coercion and economic fragmentation.
“Two major democracies cannot afford to hesitate,” Kallas said, stressing the shared responsibility of both sides to uphold international law, the UN Charter and an effective multilateral system.
Highlighting cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, she said the EU and India could play a stabilising role by safeguarding open sea lanes, strengthening maritime domain awareness and countering coercion in all its forms.
“The goal is simple but strategic — to embed trusted standards that shape global markets rather than react to them,” Kallas said, adding that the summit would mark a step towards a more ambitious and operational EU-India partnership delivering real benefits for citizens, economies and security on both sides.
