Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with the three service chiefs, met a high-level European Union delegation led by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on Tuesday, as India and the EU moved closer to establishing a Security and Defence Partnership.

The partnership marks an important step in enhancing bilateral cooperation in defence capabilities, counterterrorism, cyber security, and maritime security. During the meeting, Rajnath Singh said that shared values such as democracy, pluralism, federalism, and the rule of law form the foundation of India’s expanding relationship with the EU. He noted that both sides aim to translate these values into practical cooperation that supports global security, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.

Singh added that the technology and defence partnership reflects growing mutual trust and brings India and the EU closer in an increasingly complex global environment. He expressed hope that stronger cooperation in economic, defence, and people-to-people ties would further deepen relations between the two ancient civilizations.

Kaja Kallas thanked India for the warm welcome and said being part of the Republic Day celebrations was a memorable experience. She highlighted the participation of EU operations in the parade as a symbol of effective cooperation. Calling the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership a milestone, she said it provides a strong base to expand defence cooperation both bilaterally and in multilateral forums.

According to the European Council, Security and Defence Partnerships are a key component of the EU’s efforts to promote peace and security globally and serve as a framework to strengthen relations with non-EU partners. The partnership will be formally signed at the 16th India-EU Summit, co-chaired by European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who are on a State Visit to India.

Kallas said there was strong momentum for deeper cooperation with India and that the partnership would deliver tangible outcomes in areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism. With this agreement, India becomes the third Asian country, after Japan and South Korea, to enter into such a partnership with the EU.

The European Council noted that these partnerships are central to the EU’s Strategic Compass, adopted in March 2022, which outlines its security and defence approach. Under this framework, partnerships are tailored to each country’s priorities and cover areas ranging from peacebuilding and crisis management to defence initiatives and capability development.