Indo pacific security: India and the European Union (EU) have decided to work on a new security and defense partnership on Friday (February 28). This partnership is especially considered to be important in view of China’s growing military strength in the region. Both sides discussed ways to promote independent and free Indo-Pacific region which would be based on the global law and honor of sovereignty.
In the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission Chairman Ursula von Der Leyen, there was a major discussion on strengthening the defense and strategic relations of the India-European Union. Prior to this meeting, Von Der Leyen while addressing a ‘think tank’ said that the proposed security and defense partnership will help in dealing with shared hazards like attacks on cross -border terrorism and basic infrastructure.
Von Der Leyen explained the importance of security partnership with India
Underlining the importance of this new partnership, von Der Leyen said that security should now be the main part of his new strategic partnership with India. He said that the emphasis is on exploring the possibilities of future security and defense partnership with India as was done with Japan and South Korea. This partnership will be able to combat shared dangers including terrorism, maritime security, cyber attacks and basic infrastructure attacks across the border.
Increased scope of India-EU cooperation
After the talks, Prime Minister Modi said that the increasing security cooperation between India and the European Union was described as a symbol of “mutual trust”. He also said that the two sides together will promote cooperation in cyber security, maritime security and anti-terrorism campaigns. Modi also said that he will work on triangular development projects for sustainable and inclusive development in the Indo-Pacific region and Africa.
A joint statement of leaders of India and European Union said that the two sides would consider the possibility of trilateral cooperation in Africa and the Indo-Pacific region. Apart from this, the two leaders expressed satisfaction over joint exercises and cooperation between Indian Navy and European Union’s marine security institutions. During this time he also discussed the possibilities of security and defense partnership and committed to dealing with traditional and non-traditional threats for marine security.
Ukraine Crisis and Considering West Asia
The two leaders also discussed the status of West Asia and the ongoing war in Ukraine. He expressed support for justy and permanent peace in Ukraine based on international law, the principles of the United Nations Charter and the respect of regional integrity. Apart from this, he expressed his commitment towards the two-nation solution on the issue of Israel and Palestine.
European Commission Chairman Von Der Leyen, in his address in the ‘Think Tank’, discussed new cooperation opportunities in the defense sector of India and the European Union. He said that India is working hard to diversify its military supply and the two sides can jointly work in areas like cyber security, space and drone. Apart from this, this partnership will not be limited only to the security sector but will also strengthen the economic security and prosperity of the two countries.
Emphasis on increasing maritime connectivity in Hind-Pacific
Minister of State for Defense Sanjay Seth discussed the European Union Defense and Space Commissioner Andreas Kubilius on the Indo-European Union Bilateral Defense and Safety Cooperation. The ministry said that the two leaders focused on increasing sea connectivity and sharing information in the Indo-Pacific region. Apart from this, there was also discussion on increasing participation in Indian projects of European defense companies and increasing defense industrial cooperation.
Also read: Delhi Assembly Election Result 2025: ‘And fight’, Omar Abdullah fought on Kejriwal-Rahul Gandhi over ‘India’ on the trend of Delhi elections