EU and India Establish Landmark Security and Defence Partnership

On 27 January 2026, the European Union and India signed a comprehensive Security and Defence Partnership. The agreement was signed at the 16th EU-India Summit by HR/VP Kaja Kallas and External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar. This partnership represents a significant milestone in EU-India strategic relations and bilateral cooperation.

Key Areas of Cooperation

Strategic Framework and Shared Vision

The Security and Defence Partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation. It responds to heightened global instability and contemporary geopolitical tensions.

Both sides committed to promoting a rules-based international order with the UN at its core. HR/VP Kallas stated that "Security is now a core part of our relationship."

Key Areas of Cooperation

The partnership expands cooperation across multiple critical domains. These include maritime security, cyber security, artificial intelligence, counter-terrorism, space security, and defence industry collaboration.

The agreement also covers resilience, critical infrastructure protection, non-proliferation, capacity building, and situational awareness through information exchange.

Building on Established Foundations

This partnership builds on longstanding cooperation between both sides. India participated in joint maritime activities with EU naval forces (EUNAVFOR) in June 2025, focusing on counter-piracy operations. Both sides maintain annual Security and Defence Consultations. A Strategic Dialogue on Foreign and Security Policy was launched in June 2025.

Implementation Roadmap

Implementation and Future Direction

The partnership will be operationalised through an annual EU-India Security and Defence Dialogue.

Both sides will conduct thematic exchanges on shared challenges and emerging threats. The partnership enables negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement for classified information exchange.

Broader Strategic Context

The partnership reflects deepening EU-India engagement. It strengthens Europe's strategic autonomy and India's security interests.

Both sides remain committed to addressing shared global challenges effectively.