India-EU Tech, Defense Deals Bring Sides Closer: Rajnath Singh
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the establishment of a technology and defense partnership between India and the European Union signals a notable advancement towards enhancing bilateral relations amidst a challenging global landscape.
During their visit to Raksha Mantralaya, South Block, Singh extended a warm welcome to the EU delegation under the guidance of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
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Singh emphasized the importance of the EU leaders' visit, noting its particular significance as it aligns with India's 75th Republic Day celebrations. He emphasized that the common principles of democracy, pluralism, federalism, and the rule of law are fundamental to the developing alliance between India and the European Union.
The Minister of Defense highlighted the significance of the partnership as a symbol of the strong bond between India and the EU, aiming to enhance collaboration in various aspects including economic, defense, and cultural exchanges, thereby fostering closer ties between the two longstanding civilizations amidst a dynamic global environment. The technology and defense alliance was established before the 16th India-EU Summit, which was led by European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, both of whom were on an official visit to India.
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India has now become the third Asian nation, alongside Japan and South Korea, to establish a security and defense alliance with the European Union.
This partnership is specifically designed to strengthen cooperation in various defense sectors such as maritime security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and other emerging areas of defense.
The recently established agreement goes beyond just procurement activities, as the EU is now viewing India as a potential supplier in specific domains and as an important ally. In 2025, the security and defense relations between India and the European Union have greatly strengthened. This was evident in the Leaders' Statement following the visit of the College of Commissioners to India in February, where both parties agreed to delve into a Security and Defense Partnership. Additionally, talks were held between the EU Commissioner for Defense and Space and India's Minister of State for Defense.
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The progress observed persisted as a delegation from the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers visited Brussels in December 2025 to interact with the EU Commissioner, thereby enhancing industrial collaboration. In September 2025, the EU Political and Security Committee, comprising representatives from all 27 member states, undertook its inaugural visit to Asia. During this visit, high-level discussions were held in India with key officials such as the Foreign Secretary, Deputy NSA, and Secretary (West) to promote strategic dialogue.
In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, collaborative naval drills have enhanced cooperative efforts in maritime security, with notable exercises taking place in key regions such as the Indian Ocean in June 2025, the Gulf of Guinea in October 2023, and the Gulf of Aden in June 2021. Furthermore, joint escort operations for delivering humanitarian aid near Somalia were successfully conducted in both 2018 and 2019.