In a significant effort to bolster security and defence cooperation, the European Union (EU) recently organized a three-day study visit for senior Indian officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Defence. The visit, held in Europe, aimed to deepen ties between India and the EU, specifically focusing on Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The initiative was facilitated by the EU Delegation to India and the EU-funded Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA) project. The Indian delegation, led by Ms. Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary of the Disarmament & International Security Affairs Division, was accompanied by Captain (Navy) Fabrizio Falzi, Defence Attaché of the EU Delegation to India. Their mission was to engage in detailed discussions on how both parties could collaborate on security matters, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where both India and the EU have significant strategic interests.

Fostering Maritime Security Cooperation

One of the primary objectives of the visit was to explore how the EU and India can enhance cooperation on maritime security. Ambassador of the EU to India, Hervé Delphin, highlighted the growing significance of such collaborations, especially in light of operations conducted by the Indian Navy and the EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) in the Indian Ocean. Delphin stated, “This visit highlights the shared commitment of India and the EU to strengthening security and defence ties. Maritime security is a common concern and prime focus for cooperation.”

He stressed the importance of establishing more permanent staff-to-staff interactions, including military personnel, to advance joint operational effectiveness. “To take our partnership to new heights, we aim to establish more permanent staff-to-staff interactions, including with military personnel. This will boost our joint operational effectiveness in tackling challenges we face at sea, but also on land and in cyberspace,” he added.

Strategic Importance of the Indo-Pacific

The Indo-Pacific region, with its growing interdependence of global economies and critical maritime supply chains, remains a focal point for both India and the EU. Ambassador Delphin reinforced the EU’s commitment to ensuring a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order in this strategically vital region. He remarked, “Indo-Pacific region is a vital hub of strategic importance to both India and the EU due to the growing interdependence of global economies and the importance of maritime supply chains. We’re committed to forge a stronger cooperation with India to ensure free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime order.”

The EU’s CSDP enables the Union to play a pivotal role in peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and international security operations, with EUNAVFOR ATALANTA serving as a crucial element of naval diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific. Through the visit, Indian officials gained insight into the EU’s efforts under CSDP, further solidifying India’s role as a critical partner in ensuring security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Deepening Strategic Understanding

During the visit, Indian officials participated in briefings and discussions with various EU bodies, including the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Security and Defence College, and the European Union Military Staff. There were also interactions with the European Maritime Security Agency and FRONTEX, which facilitated conversations on areas of mutual interest and collaboration, particularly between the EU and the Indian Coast Guard.

These engagements allowed both Indian and EU officials to exchange views on strategic and operational frameworks, fostering a deeper mutual understanding. The discussions covered the EU’s peacekeeping and conflict prevention initiatives, further reinforcing the EU-India Strategic Partnership, which is anchored in shared security goals.

Spotlight on EU Maritime Security Operations

A key highlight of the study visit was the delegation’s tour of the EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA Operation’s headquarters in Rota, Spain. The headquarters oversees the EU’s maritime CSDP activities in the Horn of Africa and the Western Indian Ocean, offering Indian officials a first-hand look at the EU’s efforts in these critical areas.

The partnership between EUNAVFOR ATALANTA and India has grown significantly over recent years. In August 2023, the EUNAVFOR flagship, ITS Durand De La Penne, conducted a joint activity with the Indian destroyer INS Visakhapatnam. This joint exercise underscored the cooperation between the EU and India in ensuring security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.

As the EU and India continue to strengthen their defence cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain, this study visit marked an important milestone in enhancing mutual understanding and operational synergy. Both parties remain committed to addressing common security challenges and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.