Following the conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement in January and discussions on expanding cooperation in research and scientific collaboration in February, the European Union and India have now taken steps to strengthen their defence ties. The first EU–India Security and Defence Dialogue, held in New Delhi on 6 March, comes at a time when the global security environment is increasingly unstable and unpredictable.

With the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran, regional conflicts, and intensifying competition among major powers, the dialogue signals a shared effort to promote stability, security, and rules-based international cooperation.

According to an EU statement, the two sides shared assessments of recent geopolitical developments, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and Iran, and the evolving strategic landscape in the Indo-Pacific. They also exchanged views on their respective defence and security priorities and assessed shared interests in addressing common security challenges.

Institutionalising Security Cooperation

The dialogue takes place at a time when the international order is under significant strain due to multiple crises, including the Russia–Ukraine war, instability in the Middle East, and growing strategic rivalry in the Indo-Pacific.

By institutionalising regular security consultations, the EU and India are signalling their intention to work more closely in addressing emerging threats such as maritime insecurity, cyberattacks, disinformation, and terrorism.

For the EU, India represents an increasingly influential partner in the Indo-Pacific. For India, deeper engagement with Europe helps diversify its security partnerships beyond traditional strategic relationships.

Maritime Security at Core

One of the key areas of cooperation discussed during the dialogue was maritime security in the Indo-Pacific — a region central to global trade and geopolitical competition.

The EU has outlined its approach through the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, while India promotes regional stability through initiatives such as Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

Under the EU-India Security and Defence Partnership signed in January 2026, both sides have upgraded their annual Security and Defence Consultations into a more structured Security and Defence Dialogue. As the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly interconnected, this new format provides a stronger institutional basis for enhanced dialogue and operational cooperation.

Expanding Defence Tech Collaboration

Another important area of discussion is the potential expansion of cooperation in defence technology and industry.

The EU has been investing more heavily in collective defence capabilities through initiatives such as the European Defence Agency, while India is modernising its armed forces under the Make in India programme.

Greater cooperation in defence technology could help diversify global defence supply chains and reduce dependency on a limited number of arms suppliers.

Strategic Autonomy and Multipolar Stability

The EU–India defence dialogue also carries broader geopolitical implications. As tensions intensify among major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia, both the EU and India are seeking to strengthen strategic autonomy while building partnerships with like-minded actors.

A stronger EU–India partnership could contribute to a more stable multipolar order and provide an alternative framework for cooperation outside traditional military alliances.

Closer security cooperation could also enhance coordination in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the G20, where both actors advocate reforms that better reflect the realities of the 21st century.

By aligning their approaches to conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and international law, the EU and India could play a more significant role in strengthening global governance mechanisms at a time when they are under increasing pressure.

Internal Divisions Within Europe

Despite the positive momentum, questions remain about how strongly the EU’s 27 member states are collectively committed to deeper defence cooperation.

The war in Iran has exposed significant divisions within the bloc. Countries such as Spain and Belgium have rejected any participation in the conflict and have condemned it as a violation of international law.

Commenting on the situation, the Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant observed: “Europe has neither the military capabilities nor the will to attack Iran itself. But it is also unable to consistently defend international law.”

These divisions highlight the continuing challenge of forging a unified European defence policy.

Challenges to Unified EU Defence Policy

Strengthening collective defence cooperation has become an increasingly important objective for the European Union in response to rising geopolitical tensions and security challenges. In recent years, EU leaders have emphasised the need for greater strategic autonomy and closer military coordination among the Union’s 27 member states.

Yet achieving a unified defence policy remains difficult due to persistent political differences among member states on key international conflicts. The war in Iran has further exposed these divisions, with some countries advocating stronger responses while others, including Spain and Belgium, have rejected any participation and condemned the conflict.

These disagreements raise important questions about the EU’s ability to act collectively on security issues.

More Realistic European Foreign Policy

In summary, the first EU-India Security and Defence Dialogue reflects a broader strategic shift toward deeper cooperation between two major global actors.

In an increasingly turbulent international environment, this partnership could contribute to shaping a more balanced, cooperative, and resilient global security architecture. For Europe, which can no longer rely solely on the assumptions of a stable rules-based order led by the United States, deeper partnerships such as that with India may become an essential component of a more realistic and pragmatic foreign policy.

(The author is an Indian journalist and long-time resident in Brussels who has been covering European and EU affairs for the past four decades. Views expressed are personal. He can be reached at nawab_khan@hotmail.com. X: @NawabKhan10.)