India and the EU: Building a Future-Ready Defence Partnership

Context: 

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, changing trans-Atlantic security dynamics, and evolving global power equations, the European Commission’s Joint White Paper (WP) on European Defence Readiness 2030 outlines a strategic plan to boost the EU’s collective defence.

While reaffirming ties with NATO and the United States, the EU is simultaneously seeking greater strategic autonomy and technological self-reliance.
This shift opens new pathways for India-EU defence cooperation, especially in light of India’s growing defence capabilities and strategic neutrality in global conflicts.

Recent high-level visits—such as the Indian Prime Minister's trip to Cyprus and Croatia and the External Affairs Minister’s visits to France, Belgium, and Germany—highlight the strengthening of India-EU strategic relations.

Key Features of the White Paper on European Defence Readiness 2030

Strategic Goals and Defence Spending

• The EU aims to attain full defence readiness by 2030.

• Proposes an additional 1.5% of GDP as defence spending.

• Total projected defence investment: €800 billion over four years.

• Continues close engagement with NATO and the US.

• Reaffirms the UK as a key strategic ally.

Seven Priority Areas for Investment

1. Air and missile defence

2. Artillery systems

3. Ammunition and missile stockpiles

4. Drones and counter-drone systems

5. Military mobility

6. Advanced technologies like AI, quantum, cyber, and electronic warfare

7. Strategic enablers and critical infrastructure protection

Global Outreach and Indo-Pacific Partnerships

• The WP proposes strengthening defence ties with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

• Suggests a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) with India, marking a significant diplomatic and strategic shift.

• Reflects the EU's growing interest in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Challenges Identified in the WP

• Rising threats from terrorism, hybrid warfare, cybercrime, and organised crime.

• Vulnerability in critical raw material supply chains.

• Broader transnational issues:

  • Migration

  • Technological disruptions

  • Climate change

• Identifies China as an authoritarian actor influencing the European economy and public sphere.

Opportunities for India

1. Defence Exports

• India’s defence exports reached ₹23,622 crore (~$2.76 billion) in FY 2024–25.

• EU’s immediate focus on ammunition and weapons replenishment creates export potential for:

  • ATAGs (Advanced Towed Artillery Guns)

  • Pinaka rocket launchers

  • Air defence systems and radars compliant with NATO standards

• Note: India, maintaining neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, does not supply arms to Ukraine.

2. R&D and Defence Innovation

• The WP identifies AI, quantum tech, hypersonics, and biotech as critical dual-use technologies.

• India can engage in joint research and development and promote integration of its startups and SMEs in EU’s defence ecosystem.

• Potential to join EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS), building on India’s experience with INDUS-X (India-US defence tech initiative).

3. Regulatory and Strategic Integration

• India must align with EU’s evolving defence procurement frameworks to access long-term opportunities.

• Harmonisation of defence regulations in the EU may affect India’s export standards and supply chains.

• India should pursue cross-certification of defence equipment to access the future EU Common Defence Market.

Broader Areas of India-EU Engagement

1. Space and Cybersecurity

• The EU’s increasing focus on military applications of space and cyber technologies offers room for Indian industries to collaborate.

2. Infrastructure and Mobility

• Indian EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) firms can secure contracts in EU-led military infrastructure projects, including ports and mobility corridors.

3. Migration, Mobility, and Skilling

• There is potential to create job opportunities for Indian professionals.

• India should engage in discussions on migration and mobility frameworks, particularly as part of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Strategic Significance for India

The emergence of an EU Defence Union and greater European strategic autonomy presents a historic opportunity for India to:

• Strengthen defence exports

• Build deeper strategic partnerships

• Promote atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence

• Align with global technological and innovation standards

India must position itself as a credible, neutral, and strategic partner in the evolving Euro-Atlantic security architecture.

Conclusion

The European Defence Readiness 2030 is a significant step towards redefining Europe’s security and defence priorities.
For India, it is a timely and strategic opportunity to:

• Deepen its engagement with Europe

• Enhance technological and defence cooperation

• Expand its strategic influence

• Achieve greater self-reliance and integration in the global defence landscape