India–Europe Security and Defence Ties Deepen with First EU–India Dialogue in New Delhi

The European Union and India have held their first India-Europe Security and Defence Dialogue in New Delhi, formally launching a new annual format for structured discussions on shared security challenges and practical defence co-operation. Convened on 6 March 2026, the dialogue is designed to operationalise the EU–India Security and Defence Partnership agreed at the 16th EU–India Summit in January.

Strengthening strategic security cooperation between the European Union and India, from maritime security and cyber cooperation to joint responses to global crises.

Dialogue addresses current crises

During the meeting, the delegations exchanged assessments of recent geopolitical developments, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, developments related to Iran and dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. Officials compared their respective security and defence initiatives and discussed areas where their interests align in responding to these evolving challenges.

Priority areas for practical co-operation

The two sides identified opportunities to deepen co-operation across several security domains, notably maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber issues, non-proliferation and disarmament, space and consular matters. They also reviewed the way forward on an EU–India Security of Information Agreement, following the launch of negotiations during the recent summit, to facilitate secure exchanges of classified information. Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, the rule of law, multilateralism and a rules-based international order as the basis for their engagement.

A new chapter in defence cooperation between the European Union and India, from strategic framework signing to the first senior-level security dialogue.

New framework for EU–India defence ties

The dialogue takes place within the framework of the EU–India Security and Defence Partnership signed on 27 January 2026 in New Delhi by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Under this partnership, existing Security and Defence Consultations have been upgraded to an annual Security and Defence Dialogue at senior level, providing a standing platform to co-ordinate policies and explore operational co-operation as European and Indo-Pacific security become more interconnected.

Held in New Delhi on 6 March 2026, the first EU–India Security and Defence Dialogue was co-chaired by Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence at the European External Action Service, and Dr Amit Telang, Joint Secretary (International Co-operation) in India’s Ministry of Defence, together with their respective delegations.