India and EU sign Security and Defence Partnership, formalising cooperation on maritime security, cyber and counter-terrorism
India and the European Union signed a Security and Defence Partnership on 27 January 2026 on the margins of the EU–India Summit, creating a structured framework for deeper cooperation across maritime security, cyber-defence and counter-terrorism, among other areas.
- Reporting desk
- Health India Network News Desk
- First published
What was signed and why it matters
India and the European Union signed a Security and Defence Partnership on 27 January 2026, described by the EU as a new chapter in the strategic relationship between the two sides. The partnership is intended to put security and defence cooperation on a more formal and structured footing, at a time of heightened global instability and geopolitical tensions.
According to the EU’s External Action Service (EEAS), the partnership creates a comprehensive framework that will shape dialogue and deliver concrete outcomes, expanding cooperation in several areas where both partners face shared risks. The stated aim is to support a stable, rules-based international order, with the United Nations at its core, while enabling practical coordination in both traditional and emerging domains.
Key areas of cooperation
The partnership is designed to widen and deepen coordination across multiple tracks. The EU highlights priority areas including maritime security, counter-terrorism and cyber-defence. It also points to the growing relevance of non-traditional strategic domains such as space, and the need for partners to address hybrid threats and technology-driven risks through regular, structured engagement.
The framework builds on existing EU–India mechanisms, including annual security and defence consultations and a strategic dialogue on foreign and security policy that began in June 2025. By placing these strands within a single partnership umbrella, the intent is to reduce fragmentation, improve continuity, and make it easier for both sides to agree on joint priorities that can be reviewed and adjusted over time.
How it will be implemented
Implementation will take place through a dedicated annual EU–India Security and Defence Dialogue, supported by thematic exchanges and consultations. The EEAS notes that the partnership will be reviewed when appropriate to assess progress and steer cooperation in response to evolving global challenges.
For India, the agreement signals stronger institutional linkages with a major economic bloc in security and defence conversations, alongside existing bilateral relationships with individual EU member states. For the EU, it reflects a push to work more closely with Indo-Pacific partners on maritime stability, resilience against cyber threats and counter-terrorism cooperation.