The European Union (EU) is considering a security and defence partnership agreement with India to address the global geopolitical situation, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Friday.
The partnership would be similar to those signed with Japan and South Korea, explained von der Leyen on the second day of her visit to New Delhi. "This will help us to strengthen our efforts against common threats in terms of cross-border terrorism, maritime threats, cyberattacks, or a new phenomenon: attacks targeting our critical infrastructure," she said.
Among the avenues for military cooperation, she mentioned in particular the sectors in which India and Europe share "technology and know-how, such as cybersecurity, space or drones."
India is a historical ally of Russia, which still provides it with the bulk of its arms supplies.
Von der Leyen arrived in India on Thursday for two days of talks aimed at boosting ties with the country. Her visit comes at a time when transatlantic relations have been strained, particularly in the context of the Trump administration.
The Commission President is due to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at midday on Friday.
Von der Leyen also said on Friday that she wanted to conclude a free trade agreement between India and the EU in 2025. "We agree with Prime Minister Modi to accelerate [the discussions] and reach an agreement this year," she said. "I know it won't be easy. But I also know that timing and determination matter and that this partnership comes at the right moment for both parties."
The EU is India's largest trading partner, with €124 billion in trade in goods in 2023, or more than 12% of India's total trade. This expanding market offers key opportunities for Europe but remains protected by high customs duties. It represents only 2.2% of the EU's trade in goods.
Negotiations for a trade agreement, which were relaunched in 2022, have not yet been concluded.
