The European Union organised a three-day study visit to strengthen security and defence cooperation for senior Indian officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. The visit aimed to familiarise Indian officials with the EU’s security and defence mechanisms and explore potential collaboration in Common Security and Defence Policy missions.
Ambassador of the EU to India, Hervé Delphin, stated that the visit emphasises the shared commitment of India and the EU to strengthening security and defence ties. Maritime security is a common concern and a primary focus for cooperation, as evidenced by the EU NAVFOR and the Indian Navy’s respective operations in the Indian Ocean.
The Ambassador noted that through such visits, the EU and India can deepen mutual understanding, which is essential for advancing cooperation.
“To elevate our partnership, we aim to establish more permanent staff-to-staff interactions, including with military personnel, to enhance our joint operational effectiveness in addressing challenges at sea, on land, and in cyberspace,” his excellency emphasised.
“Indo-Pacific region is a vital hub of strategic importance to both India and the EU due to the growing interdependence of global economies and the importance of maritime supply chains. We’re committed to forge a stronger cooperation with India to ensure free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime order, address common security challenges and promote peace and stability in the region,” added H.E. Delphin.
The EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) allows the Union to lead in peacekeeping operations, conflict prevention, and international security. EUNAVFOR ATALANTA is crucial to the EU’s CSDP and naval diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific. India is a significant actor and partner in security and defence cooperation, particularly in maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the Indian officials’ three-day study mission, they received detailed briefings. They had discussions at the European External Action Service (EEAS), focusing on the Directorate for Security and Defence Policy, the European Security and Defence College, and the European Union Military Staff.
Representatives from the European Maritime Security Agency and FRONTEX also met with the Indian delegation to explore potential areas for mutual interest and cooperation between the EU and the Indian Coast Guard.
The visit to the EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA Operation’s headquarters in Rota, Spain, highlighted the EU’s maritime CSDP activities in the Horn of Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. This visit provided the Indian delegation with a first-hand view of the EU’s maritime security operations centre, rounding off their trip with valuable insights into the EU’s efforts in peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and strengthening international security as outlined in the EU’s strategic vision for an EU-India Strategic Partnership.
The Indian delegation was led by Ms Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary of the Disarmament & International Security Affairs Division, and accompanied by Captain (Navy) Fabrizio Falzi, Defence Attaché of the EU Delegation to India.
