The ongoing negotiations between the European Union (EU) and India for a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) have positioned security and defense as crucial elements within the framework of their burgeoning partnership. As articulated by Sunil Prasad, Secretary General of the EU-India Chamber of Commerce, there is strong optimism that the FTA will be finalized by December. Significant barriers remain—especially surrounding sectors like automotive components, agriculture, and beverages—but concessions are anticipated as both parties recognize the importance of mutual security and defense interests. This evolving cooperation aims not only at enhancing trade but also at fostering a more strategic bilateral relationship.
Geopolitical dynamics, notably the war in Ukraine and heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific, have underscored the need for a reinforced EU-India alliance, particularly in defense industries where India aspires to become a major manufacturing hub. Prasad emphasizes that while India is eager to establish itself as a defense manufacturing powerhouse, it requires European support to achieve that vision. In light of this, a significant delegation from the EU, including ambassadors from its 27 member states, recently visited New Delhi to engage with political and military leaders and to solidify a common stance on security issues.
The Political and Security Committee (PSC), integral to the EU’s defense policy framework, plays a pivotal role in advancing these discussions. As noted by PSC Chair Delphine Pronk, insights gleaned from their visit will inform top-tier political leadership in the EU and promote enhanced cooperation with India. By coordinating the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), the PSC is pivotal in setting strategic priorities that can align with India’s defense ambitions, thereby enriching the overall EU-India partnership.
The urgent need to strengthen ties with India becomes even clearer in the context of shifting geopolitical landscapes. As posited by Hosuk Lee-Makiyama from the European Centre for International Political Economy, there exists a strong political imperative in Brussels to forge a concrete agreement with India, especially given the recent retraction of U.S. market engagement. With India earmarking over €70 billion for its defense budget in 2025–2026, ongoing modernization initiatives within its naval and aerial forces are vital for both the country’s strategic autonomy ambitions and its relationship with the EU.
Complicating the landscape further, India’s defense affiliations with Russia compel scrutiny amidst its pursuit of a balanced geopolitical posture. Short of aligning fully with a single bloc, India navigates the complex interplay between its historical ties with Russia and emerging partnerships with Western powers. This tactical maneuvering is evident in its participation in Russian-led military exercises, even as Prime Minister Modi engages with American representatives to repair bilateral relations. With high-stakes negotiations ongoing for advanced military systems, like the S-400 or S-500 air defense missiles from Russia, India remains poised to balance its multilateral engagements.
Finally, the contentious issue of Pakistan further complicates EU-India defense collaboration. India is advocating for the EU to withdraw its General Scheme of Preferences Plus status with Pakistan, which India perceives as an unfair advantage that undermines its security concerns. As this discourse unfolds, the EU’s role as a mediator in South Asian dynamics, particularly regarding human rights and governance measures guiding its trade policies with Pakistan, becomes increasingly relevant. Thus, the EU-India relationship is not merely about economic cooperation but also about navigating intricate security landscapes within a highly volatile regional context.
