'Committed To Forge Stronger Ties With India in Indo-Pacific': EU Envoy After Indian Officials' Study Mission in Europe

To further strengthen security and defence cooperation, the European Union (EU) organised in Europe a three-day study visit for senior Indian officials from MEA and MOD.

Indian officials from MEA and MOD in Europe during three day visit in Europe (Photo/@European Union)

Source : Twitter

The European Union is committed to forging stronger security and defence ties with India to ensure a free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to India Herve Delphin said on Thursday. Delphin's comments came following a visit of Indian officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Defence to EU institutions in Brussels and EU Naval Force Operation headquarters in Spain's Rota, two-way to strengthen security and defence ties.

In an official statement, the EU envoy to New Delhi highlighted that the visit emphasises the commitment by India and EU to boost security and defence relations. "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, as exemplified by the EU NAVFOR and Indian Navy's respective operations in the Indian Ocean," said Delphin.

He further described the Indo-Pacific as a vital hub of strategic importance to both India and the EU in view of the region's role in the maritime supply chains. "We're committed to forge a stronger cooperation with India to ensure free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime order, address common security challenges and promote peace and stability in the region," the envoy said. 

The 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, he said, adding that through such visits India and ED can build a deeper mutual understanding, which is essential for advancing cooperation.

"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.

The European Union (EU) organized in Europe a three-day study visit for senior Indian officials with a view to further strengthen security and defence cooperation. The Indian delegation was led by Muanpuii Saiawi, joint secretary, disarmament and international security affairs division, in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). 

Facilitated by the EU Delegation to India and the EU co-funded Enhancing Security Cooperation In and with Asia (ESIWA) project, the visit aimed to familiarise Indian officials with the EU's security and defence mechanisms while exploring potential cooperation in CSDP missions and in the Indo-Pacific.

In August 2023, the EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Atlanta flagship, ITS Durand De La Penne conducted a joint activity at sea with the Indian destroyer INS Visakhapatnam in the framework of the EU's strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Operation Atlanta is a critical maritime security operation under the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Its primary mandate revolves around deterring, preventing, and repressing acts of piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia.  Additionally, EUNAVFOR Atlanta protects vessels of the World Food Programme and other vulnerable shipping, ensuring the delivery of food aid and the safety of maritime routes in the region.