EU Exploring Security and Defence Partnership with India: Von der Leyen

The European Union is considering a security and defence partnership with India, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen announced on Friday ahead of her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Von der Leyen, who arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day visit with her college of commissioners, aims to strengthen diplomatic and trade ties with the world’s fifth-largest economy. The visit comes as the EU seeks to mitigate tensions with the United States following a series of tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump.

The potential partnership would mirror similar collaborations the EU has with Japan and South Korea, addressing cross-border terrorism, maritime security, cyber-attacks, and threats to critical infrastructure.

“I can announce that we are exploring a future Security and Defence Partnership with India in the mould of the partnerships we have with Japan and South Korea,” von der Leyen said during a speech in New Delhi.

The EU remains India’s largest trading partner, accounting for 124 billion euros ($130 billion) in goods trade in 2023 — over 12 percent of India’s total trade. However, India’s protected market, with high tariffs, represents only 2.2 percent of EU trade in goods.

The bloc is advocating for a trade deal that would lower entry barriers for EU cars, spirits, wines, and other products, while India seeks increased EU investment in clean energy, urban infrastructure, and water management.

Prime Minister Modi is pushing for joint local ventures and streamlined migration policies for skilled Indian professionals.

“A free trade agreement between the EU and India would be the largest deal of this kind anywhere in the world,” Von der Leyen stated. “It will not be easy, but timing and determination count… This is why we have agreed with Prime Minister Modi to push to get it done during this year.”

Discussions are also expected to cover Russia’s war in Ukraine, with India maintaining its historical ties to Moscow despite Western pressure to distance itself following the invasion.