Scheduled for February 8, 2024, the first-ever European Union (EU)-India Track 1.5 dialogue will convene in New Delhi, focusing on countering the misuse of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by extremists and non-state actors.

This day-long roundtable seeks to enhance understanding of the diverse threats posed by consumer-grade UAS technology, fostering discussions on regulatory, tactical, and investigative responses to mitigate such risks.

The rapid development and accessibility of commercial UAS have enabled violent extremists to exploit these devices for various purposes, including reconnaissance and violent attacks.

Continuing the collaborative efforts between the EU and India, this initiative builds upon previous activities under the EU project Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia (ESIWA), encompassing training sessions on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) risk management for Indian security personnel, among other endeavours.

EU Ambassador to India, Hervé Delphin, highlighted the hybrid nature of contemporary security threats, emphasizing the potential misuse of commercial drones for carrying weapons or explosives. He stressed the importance of knowledge-sharing and cooperation between the EU and India in addressing evolving drone threats.

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Taking advantage of the affordability and adaptability of consumer-grade drones, terrorist organizations and individual extremists worldwide have swiftly adopted these readily available devices for nefarious purposes.

Given the evolving nature of drone technologies, ongoing threat assessments and mitigation strategies are essential, necessitating collaborative efforts and information sharing among stakeholders.

Organized by the ESIWA project in collaboration with the National Security Guard of India and the EU Delegation to India, this roundtable exemplifies the Team Europe approach. Expert insights will be contributed by entities such as the EU’s Directorate General of Migration and Home Affairs (DG Home), Spain’s Ministry of the Interior, Hungary’s national police (Rendőrség), and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCCT).

This dialogue underscores the joint commitment of the EU and India to intensify cooperation in addressing security challenges, particularly in the realm of unmanned aerial system threats.