India and the European Union have signed a new agreement that will allow India to take part in the defence initiatives of EU member states, marking a significant step forward in security cooperation between the two sides.
The security and defence partnership (SDP) will enable Indian companies to participate in the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, NDTV reported on Tuesday.
SAFE is a €178-billion funding mechanism created to support defence projects across EU member countries.
With this agreement, India becomes the third Asian country—after Japan and South Korea—to sign a dedicated defence and security partnership with the European Union.
“The signing of the technology and defense partnership between India and the European Union is a reflection of this trust in action, and it brings us together in an increasingly complex global environment,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.
The partnership focuses on present-day security challenges and new areas of defence cooperation, with special emphasis on maritime security, cybersecurity and counterterrorism.
Singh said the agreement would change the nature of India’s defence relationship with the EU, which has so far largely been based on purchasing equipment. Under the new framework, India will move towards jointly developing defence technologies alongside European partners.
India and the EU have already stepped up military cooperation in recent years. Last year, the two sides conducted joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Guinea and the Gulf of Aden.
Earlier this month, India also signed a letter of intent with the United Arab Emirates to expand their strategic defence partnership, placing security cooperation at its core.
Meanwhile, Germany has urged India to reduce its “dependence” on Russian military equipment. New Delhi has maintained, however, that its defence purchases are guided solely by national interests.
Apart from Russia, India’s major defence suppliers include France, Israel and the United States, even as Russia continues to remain a key source of military hardware for the country after decades of close defence ties.
The new Security and Defence Partnership will be carried forward through a dedicated annual EU–India Security and Defence Dialogue, backed by regular thematic discussions and consultations on common challenges and security threats.
The scope and substance of the partnership will be reviewed periodically to assess progress, guide cooperation and ensure an effective response to evolving global challenges.