As part of plans to increase industry ties, a new EU-India Defence Industry Forum is being set up that will bring together companies from both sides and drive business. The forum will identify opportunities for cooperation, with EU and Indian officials likely to be present as observers.
India has significant defence trade with EU nations, with France, Germany, Spain and Italy being prominent suppliers of weapon systems. In the past two years, Indian exports to European nations have also grown considerably, mostly for ammunition and explosives as demand has peaked, with nations replenishing stockpiles.
The new pact is expected to further boost cooperation, with EU looking to use its expertise in defence R&D to strengthen the Indian industrial base and diversify supply chains. Indian manufacturing capacities will also help EU bolster military power.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the new deal would expand cooperation in maritime security, counterterrorism and cyber defence, among other areas. EU is also looking to expand operational cooperation with the Indian Navy, including conducting joint exercises, which can also involve other Indo-Pacific partners. Great information sharing between EU Naval operations and the Indian Navy in the Western Indian Ocean is also on the cards. Going ahead, the EU and India could also undertake joint sea activities in areas of common interest like the Gulf of Guinea.
