India and EU join forces for stronger security, defense ties: Von der Leyen

India and the EU are strengthening security and defense ties to tackle common threats. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the move on Friday, highlighting collaboration in areas like cross-border terrorism, cyberattacks, and critical infrastructure protection.

Both sides are building on existing efforts, including maritime security. India may join the EU’s defense projects, expanding military supplies. Von der Leyen compared this partnership to those with Japan and South Korea, emphasizing its role in ensuring economic security and stability.

India and the EU held their first joint naval drill in the Gulf of Guinea in October 2023. A month later, the EU posted its first military attaché in New Delhi, a step taken in fewer than 15 countries. In February 2022, the EU established a maritime presence in the northwestern Indian Ocean to enhance Indo-Pacific security. In 2024, India’s military and external affairs ministry visited Brussels for security talks.

Ahead of Von der Leyen’s visit, both sides worked on deeper defense cooperation. This included elevating security talks to the defense secretary level, launching a strategic foreign policy dialogue, and enhancing homeland security coordination. The EU also plans to post a liaison officer at India’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) to support maritime monitoring.

Von der Leyen confirmed India’s interest in joining the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation for defense projects. She stressed that India is diversifying its military supply chain and seeking advanced capabilities. The EU, she noted, can support India in areas like cyber security, drones, and space technology.

She outlined security as a key pillar of India-EU relations and warned of global conflicts’ ripple effects. Referring to the Russia-Ukraine war, she said its fallout could extend beyond Europe, affecting Asia and Africa. She argued that a failed Ukraine would embolden aggressors worldwide, pointing indirectly at China.

Von der Leyen called for a “just and lasting peace” and a “free, prosperous Ukraine” integrated with Europe. She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to higher defense spending and closer partnerships with key allies like India.