NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Sanjay Seth met with Andrius Kubilius, the European Commission’s Commissioner for Defence and Space, in New Delhi. Their discussions focused on enhancing India-European Union (EU) defence and security cooperation, particularly in maritime engagements and information sharing within the Indo-Pacific region.
Dear @narendramodi, thank you so much for hosting us in New Delhi.
The @EU_Commission’s visit symbolises how much we value our partnership with India.
And how much I value our personal friendship. pic.twitter.com/9of8pPz126
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 28, 2025
A significant aspect of their dialogue was the exploration of defense industrial collaboration. Both leaders emphasized the importance of European defense companies participating in joint projects and co-production initiatives in India. This aligns with the EU’s broader strategy to diversify critical value chains across sectors such as defense, batteries, pharmaceuticals, and clean hydrogen.
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The meeting also addressed India’s potential involvement in the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and other European defense development programs. This initiative reflects a mutual commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships and promoting a rules-based global order.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri @SethSanjayMP met #EU Commissioner for Defence & Space Mr Andrius Kubilius in New Delhi today to strengthen #IndiaEU defence ties. They discussed #maritime cooperation, #information sharing in the #IndoPacific, and boosting defence #industrial… pic.twitter.com/wdOLYZDx7n
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) February 28, 2025
Mr. Kubilius’s visit is part of a larger delegation led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, comprising 22 of the 27 EU Commissioners. This marks the first collective overseas visit by the team since they assumed office in December 2024. The delegation’s discussions in India are centered around bolstering collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, trade, and defense cooperation.
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This high-level engagement underscores the EU’s intent to expedite the finalization of a comprehensive free trade agreement with India within the year. The renewed push for this agreement is driven by global trade dynamics and a shared dedication to effective multilateralism.
The convergence of these discussions signifies a pivotal step in reinforcing the India-EU strategic partnership, addressing evolving security challenges, and fostering collaborative defense and industrial initiatives.
