India and EU to Sign Major Defense Deal; Foreign Policy Chief Announces in Brussels

Brussels/New Delhi: India and the European Union (EU) are set to finalize a significant defense and security partnership next week. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the development in the European Parliament, stating that the deal will be formally signed at the upcoming EU-India summit in New Delhi.

Speaking at the Parliament, Kallas described the partnership as part of a broader strategic agenda aimed at strengthening cooperation in maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber defense. She added that the summit could also see the announcement of a free trade agreement between India and the EU.

EU-India Security Partnership
“Today, the EU has agreed to move forward with a new security and defense partnership,” Kallas said. “This agreement will expand our cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber defense. I look forward to signing it at next week’s EU-India summit in New Delhi.”

A Milestone for Bilateral Relations
Kallas highlighted the importance of the upcoming summit for EU-India relations, describing it as “a critical moment to bring renewed political momentum and clarity of purpose.” She pointed out that the joint statement and strategic agenda have been developed through detailed discussions between EU and Indian officials, reflecting a shared commitment to making the summit a success.

EU-India Summit in New Delhi
The 60th EU-India summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi, is expected to adopt a comprehensive EU-India strategic agenda extending until 2030. Kallas described India and the EU as two major democracies that must act decisively as partners. “In an increasingly challenging world, India and the EU stand to gain by working together,” she said. Kallas further emphasized that the EU is already one of India’s largest trading partners, and India’s growing economic importance makes it vital for Europe’s economic stability.