EU and India Strengthen Strategic Dialogue on Security and Defence

Strategic Insights -

The European Union and India have reinforced their strategic dialogue on security and defence, highlighting the importance of cooperation in countering global challenges. The dialogue, held on June 10 in Brussels, focused on key areas of mutual interest, such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security. The two parties reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order and underscored the significance of close cooperation on regional and global security matters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU-India Strategic Dialogue reaffirmed the strong commitment to a rules-based international order, global peace, stability, and prosperity, rooted in shared democratic values and converging strategic interests.
  • The High Representative and Minister Jaishankar exchanged views on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, reaffirming the necessity of achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
  • The EU and India recognised their shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific and underlined the importance of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
  • High Representative Kallas welcomed India's confirmation of interest in engaging with the EU on the establishment of a Security and Defence Partnership.
  • The EU and India agreed to establish a comprehensive Dialogue on Space, with a first session expected to convene in the final quarter of 2025.
  • The two parties provided updates on ongoing processes to launch negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement, highlighting the importance of secure and structured information exchange.
  • They welcomed the increased cooperation at sea in recent years, including the development of operational arrangements between the EU Naval Force operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES, and the Indian Navy.
  • On counterterrorism, the High Representative and Minister Jaishankar underlined the importance of continued cooperation and announced plans to convene a dedicated counterterrorism dialogue later this year.
  • The High Representative and Minister Jaishankar underlined serious concerns regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine and reaffirmed the importance of objective international investigations to ensure accountability and justice.

Statistics:

  • The two parties agreed to convene a comprehensive Dialogue on Space in the final quarter of 2025.
  • The number of years in which the EU and India have increased cooperation at sea, including the development of operational arrangements between the EU Naval Force operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES, and the Indian Navy.
  • The number of announced plans to convene a dedicated counterterrorism dialogue between the EU and India later this year is not specified.

Sources:

  • "EU-India Strategic Dialogue, 10 June 2023" - High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (non-public source)
  • "EU and India Agree on Strategic Partnership" - European Union External Action Service.