Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

India Joins EU’s Defense Initiatives After New Pact


(MENAFN) India and the European Union have formalized an agreement allowing the South Asian country to engage in the defense programs of EU member nations.

The Security and Defense Partnership (SDP) will enable Indian companies to participate in the EU’s "Security Action for Europe (SAFE)" initiative, a news agency reported on Tuesday. This EU program represents a €178 billion financial mechanism established to provide defense funding to its member states.

With this agreement, India becomes the third Asian country to enter a dedicated defense and security collaboration with the EU, following Japan and South Korea.

"The signing of the technology and defense partnership between India and the European Union is a reflection of this trust in action, and it brings us together in an increasingly complex global environment," Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated.

The security pact addresses contemporary security threats and evolving defense sectors, with particular emphasis on maritime operations, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism activities.
Singh noted that the deal would transform the current procurement-focused relationship India maintains with the EU, positioning New Delhi as a co-development partner in both technology and defense fields.

Last year, India and the EU conducted extensive defense collaborations, including combined naval drills in the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Guinea, and the Gulf of Aden.

Earlier this month, India also signed a letter of intent with the United Arab Emirates to establish a broader strategic defense partnership, with security cooperation at its core.
Germany has urged India to decrease its “dependence” on Russian weaponry. New Delhi, however, has emphasized that its defense acquisitions are driven exclusively by its national interests.

India’s primary military suppliers include France, Israel, and the United States, alongside Russia, which has long provided essential military hardware to the country.

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