India, EU Strengthen Defence Ties in Indo-Pacific Initiative

September 7, 2024

In September 2024, a group of high-level Indian officials visited Europe for three days to strengthen defence cooperation between India and the European Union (EU). Their main focus was on building better military partnerships and improving how they work together to handle security challenges. These challenges are across different areas like the sea (maritime), land, and cyberspace.

Objectives of the Visit

The EU delegation to India helped arrange this visit. It included officials from India’s Defence Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The purpose was to understand the EU’s security and defence systems, particularly its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The CSDP focuses on the EU’s missions, including in important regions like the Indo-Pacific, where both India and the EU have shared interests.

Maritime Security Collaboration

Maritime security, which means keeping sea routes safe, is a major concern for both India and the EU. Ambassador Hervé Delphin highlighted how both sides are committed to working together, particularly through the operations of the EU Naval Force (NAVFOR) and the Indian Navy. These operations, especially in the Indian Ocean, help ensure that international sea routes stay free and follow agreed rules, making trade and travel safer.

Importance of the Indo-Pacific Region

The Indo-Pacific is a key area because of its economic importance and the large number of ships that pass through it. This region connects countries through trade and is a focus for both India’s and the EU’s defence strategies. By working together in the Indo-Pacific, both India and the EU aim to keep the region stable and tackle common security threats.

Engagement with EU Institutions

During their visit, Indian officials had meetings with important EU institutions, such as the European External Action Service and the European Maritime Security Agency. They talked about how they could work together in areas like maritime security, with a particular focus on involving the Indian Coast Guard.

One of the highlights of the visit was a tour of the headquarters for the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation in Spain. This operation focuses on maritime security in the Horn of Africa and the Western Indian Ocean, giving Indian officials a chance to understand how the EU operates in these regions.

India and the EU have already worked together on joint operations. For example, in August 2023, the EUNAVFOR flagship (a leading EU ship) conducted joint operations with India’s INS Visakhapatnam (a destroyer), showing how both sides are committed to closer military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Facts About the European Union

The European Union (EU) started as the European Economic Community in 1957.
Today, the EU has 27 member states.
The EU flag shows a circle of 12 stars, representing unity.
The EU introduced the euro in 1999, now used by 19 countries.
The EU’s court system, the Court of Justice, was founded in 1952.
The Schengen Area allows passport-free travel between 22 EU countries.
The European Parliament is directly elected, with the first election held in 1979.
Each member state takes turns holding the EU presidency.

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