EU Political and Security Committee’s First Visit to Asia Highlights India-EU Cooperation

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the European Union's Political and Security Committee (PSC) delegation in New Delhi on September 12, 2025, during the PSC’s first-ever visit to Asia. The 30-member delegation, led by Chair Ms. Delphine Pronk, included ambassadors from all 27 EU member states and officials from the European Commission and the European External Action Service. The meeting marked a significant enhancement in India-EU strategic engagement, focusing on advancing cooperation in key areas such as security, defence, and trade.

Advancing India-EU Security and Defence Partnership

The discussions, attended by senior Indian officials including Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor and Secretary (West) Sibi George, revolved around deepening India-EU cooperation across multiple sectors, with a special emphasis on security and defence. Both sides reiterated their commitment to the early conclusion of the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership and the Security of Information Agreement. This reflects a mutual desire to build a robust framework for collaboration in sensitive and critical security domains.

During their working visit, the PSC members also met with India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. They received a comprehensive briefing on the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), which plays a central role in maritime domain awareness and regional security coordination. The delegation also engaged with representatives from India’s defence industry, exploring avenues for cooperation in defence manufacturing and technology exchange.

Trade and Economic Cooperation Progress

Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, highlighting the ongoing efforts to conclude the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025. Both sides expressed optimism about the progress made, with leaders having tasked the negotiating teams to finalize the deal. This development underscores the comprehensive nature of the India-EU partnership that spans strategic, economic, and security dimensions.

Shared Strategic Interests

The meeting took place against the backdrop of recent milestones in India-EU relations, including the EU College of Commissioners’ visit to India in February 2025 and the inaugural EU-India Strategic Dialogue held in June. These engagements have reinforced a mutual commitment to elevate the partnership. The EU views India as a key partner in ensuring freedom of navigation, maritime security, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. Chair Delphine Pronk emphasized that the PSC’s Asian visit aims to intensify collaboration on counterterrorism, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, and defence industry cooperation.

Established and Emerging Dialogue Mechanisms

India and the EU maintain an extensive bilateral dialogue architecture on security and defence, including regular exchanges on maritime security, cyber cooperation, and counter-terrorism. The PSC visit complements these mechanisms, providing a platform to explore new cooperation areas and consolidate existing initiatives. This comprehensive dialogue framework reflects the strategic convergence of India and the EU in addressing shared regional and global challenges.

The insights gathered during the delegation’s visit are expected to inform the EU’s top political leadership and contribute to shaping the agenda for the upcoming India-EU Summit scheduled for early 2026. The visit underscores the evolving nature of the India-EU Strategic Partnership as both sides navigate a complex geopolitical environment with shared values and converging interests.

This meeting between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and the EU PSC delegation signifies an important step towards strengthening strategic ties, enhancing security cooperation, and facilitating greater trade and investment flows, paving the way for a multifaceted partnership that benefits both India and the European Union.