India-EU Defence Deal: India to Become a Weapons Manufacturing Hub, Expanding Influence to the Gulf of Guinea

India and the European Union (EU) are set to sign a major defence agreement next week, coinciding with the finalization of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two sides. The deal is expected to accelerate India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in the defence sector, as European countries recognize India’s significant manufacturing potential.

Strategic Defence Partnership
The India-EU Security and Defence Partnership aims not only to strengthen military-industrial cooperation but also to enhance joint operational capabilities. Under the agreement, a new EU-India Defence Industry Forum will be established to bring defence companies from both sides onto a shared platform, identifying opportunities for collaboration and business growth. Government representatives from India and the EU will participate as observers.

Strengthening Ties with European Nations
While the EU includes most major European countries, India already maintains strong defence ties with France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, which have historically supplied advanced weapons systems. In recent years, exports from India to these countries, particularly ammunition and explosives, have also increased, signaling a more balanced defence trade relationship.

India as a Defence Manufacturing Hub
The new agreement will further boost India’s manufacturing capabilities in the defence sector. The EU intends to contribute its technology and expertise while leveraging India’s production capacity to expand the defence supply chain. EU foreign policy chief Kaia Kallas emphasized that the deal will also strengthen cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and cyber defence.

Enhanced Naval Coordination
Beyond manufacturing, the agreement will deepen collaboration between the Indian Navy and EU naval forces through joint exercises, with the possibility of including other partner nations. Intelligence and information sharing in the Western Indian Ocean will also be enhanced.

Expanding Reach to the Gulf of Guinea
Looking ahead, India and the EU plan to expand joint naval operations to strategic regions such as the Gulf of Guinea, notorious for piracy in the Atlantic Ocean and critical for global energy supplies. This region alone holds over 35% of the world’s petroleum reserves, along with uranium, diamonds, and copper, making it a key area for ensuring maritime security and trade.

The India-EU defence deal marks a major step in India’s journey to becoming a global weapons manufacturing hub while enhancing strategic influence across vital maritime zones.