India-EU expand defence, maritime and green growth cooperation
India and the European Union are deepening their strategic partnership by expanding cooperation in defence, maritime security, and climate action, reflecting a shift from issue-based engagement to a more comprehensive alignment on global and regional priorities.
Security and defence cooperation has emerged as one of the fastest-growing pillars of India-EU relations. In 2025, discussions on a potential India-EU Security and Defence Partnership gained momentum, supported by sustained high-level engagements between defence officials, policymakers, and industry representatives from both sides. These interactions signal growing convergence in strategic outlooks amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
Strengthening Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific
Maritime cooperation has become a key area of practical collaboration, with India and the EU conducting joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Guinea, and the Gulf of Aden. These exercises focus on securing critical sea lanes, enhancing interoperability, and countering piracy and other non-traditional maritime threats.
The European Union’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) further underscores its intent to align more closely with India’s vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. This cooperation complements existing coordination between the Indian Navy and the EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), including joint escort operations for humanitarian assistance missions off the coast of Somalia.
A major milestone in strategic engagement was the first-ever visit of the EU Political and Security Committee to India in September 2025. The visit, which included interactions with senior Indian officials, highlighted Europe’s growing recognition of India as a key stabilising force in Asia and marked a transition from symbolic cooperation to sustained strategic dialogue.
India-EU Partnership for Climate Action and Green Growth
Climate and clean energy cooperation forms the other central pillar of the evolving India–EU partnership. Through the Clean Energy and Climate Partnership (CECP) – now in its third phase- both sides are advancing collaboration across renewable energy, green hydrogen, offshore wind, energy efficiency, and methane emissions reduction.
The European Union has been a long-standing partner of the International Solar Alliance, supporting India-led efforts to promote solar energy deployment globally. In parallel, the European Investment Bank has emerged as a key financier of sustainable transport and urban mobility projects in India, including metro rail and low-emission public transport systems.
Cooperation on climate-resilient infrastructure has also expanded, with the EU joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). This collaboration reflects shared priorities on building resilient infrastructure and supporting vulnerable regions, particularly in the Global South.
Strategic Alignment Beyond Traditional Cooperation
As India seeks to balance rapid economic development with its climate commitments, the partnership with the European Union provides access to finance, advanced technologies, and global best practices critical for a just, inclusive, and sustainable energy transition. At the same time, defence and maritime cooperation underline a shared commitment to regional stability and a rules-based international order.
Together, the expanding engagement in security, maritime affairs, and green growth highlights the evolution of India-EU relations into a mature strategic partnership – one that increasingly delivers practical outcomes aligned with shared global responsibilities.
