India, EU Hold 2nd Consultations On Security And Defence

India, EU Hold 2nd Consultations On Security And Defence

The European Union and India held their second round of consultations on security and defense in New Delhi, engaging in fruitful discussions on international and regional issues. Topics ranged from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine to developments in South Asia and the Middle East.

During the consultations on May 6, both parties delved into security and defense policy developments. The EU provided updates on the implementation of its Strategic Compass and the Indo-Pacific Strategy, including the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS), as well as recent EU operations like EUNAVFOR Aspides.

Moreover, they committed to strengthening collaboration in existing areas of bilateral cooperation, such as cyber, maritime security, and crisis management. They emphasized leveraging opportunities presented by the EU project Enhancing Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA).

Furthermore, they recognized the importance of exploring new avenues for cooperation, particularly in the realm of space security.

The consultations were co-chaired by Joanneke Balfoort, Director for Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Service, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) at India’s Ministry of Defence.