New Delhi [India], January 27 (ANI): India and the European Union on Tuesday signed a landmark Security and Defence Partnership, marking the primary overarching defence and safety framework between the 2 sides, as leaders from each blocs agreed to considerably deepen cooperation throughout strategic, regional and world safety domains.
In a joint assertion issued following the sixteenth India-EU Summit held with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, together with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the leaders welcomed the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), noting that the settlement would strengthen collaboration in maritime safety, the defence {industry} and expertise, cyber and hybrid threats, house and counterterrorism, and different areas.
They additionally welcomed the launch of negotiations on an India-EU Security of Information Agreement, which can facilitate the trade of categorized data and pave the best way for nearer safety and defence cooperation.
Under the partnership, India and the EU agreed to improve current Security and Defence Consultations into an annual EU-India Security and Defence Dialogue, institutionalising common high-level engagement, the assertion said.
The two sides may even seek the advice of on respective defence initiatives and discover alternatives for India’s participation in related EU defence programmes, in keeping with their respective authorized frameworks.
To strengthen defence industrial collaboration, the joint assertion introduced the institution of an industry-led India-EU Defence Industry Forum, bringing collectively companies from either side, with official observers and the participation of EU Member States. The discussion board will concentrate on figuring out alternatives for cooperation in defence manufacturing, innovation and expertise.
The leaders additionally dedicated to deepening engagement on regional safety, notably within the Indo-Pacific.
Both sides reaffirmed their assist for a free, open, peaceable and affluent Indo-Pacific, based mostly on worldwide regulation, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceable decision of disputes. The EU will pursue engagement by its participation within the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), its position as a dialogue associate with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and its membership within the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).
India and the EU additional agreed to launch devoted consultations on the Indo-Pacific and discover cooperation by joint tasks in third international locations. They additionally dedicated to intensifying common exchanges on regional and world points, together with efforts in direction of reaching a complete, simply and lasting peace in Ukraine.
On countering conventional and rising threats, the partnership emphasises enhanced cooperation to fight terrorism in all its types and manifestations, together with cross-border terrorism, terror financing, radicalisation and violent extremism.
The two sides additionally agreed to step up exchanges on hybrid threats, share finest practices, and develop methods to counter cyber and information-related challenges, the assertion learn.
The leaders described the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership as a serious milestone in India-EU relations, reflecting rising strategic convergence and a shared dedication to strengthening peace, stability and safety at regional and world ranges.
Lauding the SDP, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that the settlement establishes an annual safety and defence dialogue, with the primary session scheduled inside a month.
In a submit on X, she acknowledged the change within the world panorama and thus the EU stays dedicated to deepening diplomatic and financial partnerships worldwide.
‘When two main democracies act collectively, we construct stronger shared safety. It was an important pleasure to signal a brand new EU-India Security and Defence Partnership with S Jaishankar at the moment. The pact launches an annual safety and defence dialogue – with the primary assembly happening in a month – and deepens cooperation on maritime safety, cyber points, and counterterrorism. We may even discover Indian participation in European defence initiatives. As the worldwide order shifts, the EU will proceed to deepen its diplomatic and financial ties the world over. Strong partnerships multiply our power,’ her submit learn.
With the signing of the deal, India turns into the third Asian nation to have such a cope with the EU after Japan and South Korea. (ANI)