The European Union is exploring the possibility of a security and defense partnership with India, announced European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has been visiting India with European commissioners since yesterday, Agence France-Presse reported, quoted by BTA.
“I can announce that we are working on a security and defence partnership with India, similar to those we have signed with Japan and South Korea“, von der Leyen said on the second day of her visit to Delhi.““This will strengthen our efforts against common threats such as cross-border terrorism, maritime threats, cyberattacks and the new phenomenon of attacks on critical infrastructure“, she added.“Among the opportunities for military cooperation, von der Leyen highlighted sectors where India and Europe share technology and know-how, such as cybersecurity, space technology and drones.“
Later today, she will hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Von der Leyen expressed hope that they would be able to finalize a free trade agreement between India and the EU by 2025.
“We agree with Prime Minister Modi to accelerate the negotiations and reach an agreement this year“, she said. “I know that this will not be easy, but I also know that timing and determination are key and that this partnership will benefit both countries“, she added.
The EU is India's largest trading partner, with in 2023 trade amounted to €124 billion, representing more than 12% of India's total trade, according to Brussels data.
This growing market offers key opportunities for Europe, but remains protected by high tariffs, accounting for just 2.2% of EU trade in goods.
Negotiations for a trade agreement between the EU and India, which were renewed in 2022, have not yet been concluded.