Deepening EU-India Strategic Relations in the Indo-Pacific

EU–India strategic relations AND challenges

OVERVIEW

The European Union (EU) and India are steadily deepening their partnership with a strong emphasis on maritime security, defence cooperation, and economic engagement. Both recognise the Indo-Pacific as a pivotal region for global trade and security. Shared priorities include freedom of navigation, combating piracy and smuggling, and strengthening supply chain resilience. At the same time, differences over China, Russia, and trade frameworks present challenges that require careful management.

STRATEGIC DIMENSIONS

1. Maritime and Defence Cooperation

Maritime security forms the backbone of India–EU relations. Both sides view safe and open seas as vital for commerce and energy security:

Freedom of Navigation: Joint commitment to upholding open sea lanes under UNCLOS principles.

Anti-Piracy & Smuggling: Cooperation through Operation Atalanta and Indian naval patrols in the western Indian Ocean targeting piracy, narcotics, and arms trafficking.

Naval Engagements: Regular joint exercises and port calls to enhance interoperability and maritime domain awareness.

Information Sharing: Ongoing efforts to establish security information agreements and real-time intelligence exchange on illicit trade and maritime threats.

Indo-Pacific Convergence: India’s Act East Policy and the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy both aim to deter coercion and maintain regional stability.

Technology & Capacity Building: EU states provide expertise in satellite navigation, cyber defence, and secure naval communications.

Non-Traditional Threats: Joint work on illegal fishing, disaster relief, and climate-driven maritime risks.

2. Information and Security Exchanges

Institutionalised dialogues are being planned to strengthen cooperation. Joint mechanisms will address piracy, terrorism, cyber threats, and hybrid challenges.

3. Trade and Economic Ties

Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are ongoing to deepen integration. The EU aims to diversify supply chains away from China and Russia, with India as a key partner. India, in return, gains access to European investment, technology, and markets.

4. Geopolitical Coordination

The EU views China as a partner, competitor, and systemic rival, while India considers China primarily a strategic adversary. On Russia, the EU condemns the war in Ukraine, whereas India maintains defence and energy cooperation with Moscow. Despite these differences, both converge on promoting a rules-based Indo-Pacific.

CHALLENGES

1. China Factor

EU View: China is a partner and competitor but also a systemic rival.

India’s View: China is seen mainly as a strategic threat due to border disputes and Indo-Pacific tensions.

Challenge: Aligning strategies when the EU avoids open confrontation while India prioritises security concerns.

2. Russia Factor

The EU takes a hardline stance against Russia post-Ukraine invasion, while India continues pragmatic ties with Moscow for defence and energy needs. Balancing this divergence is essential for partnership growth.

3. Economic Divergences

FTA negotiations face hurdles on tariffs, data protection, and market access. EU’s strict regulatory frameworks often clash with India’s focus on economic sovereignty.

4. Institutional and Political Hurdles

EU decision-making requires consensus among 27 member states, slowing policy responses. India’s sovereignty concerns also limit deep defence or intelligence integration.

SYNOPSIS

The EU–India partnership is steadily evolving, with maritime security and defence cooperation as its cornerstone. Both sides share interests in open sea lanes, joint naval operations, and intelligence sharing. While divergences remain over China and Russia, the relationship is anchored in shared values of open trade, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based order. Its future success depends on managing geopolitical differences while accelerating progress on trade, technology, and security dialogues.

FAQs

1. Why is maritime security central to EU–India ties?
Because both rely heavily on safe shipping lanes for trade and energy flows, and piracy or smuggling in the Indian Ocean threatens stability.

2. How do India and the EU align in the Indo-Pacific?
They cooperate to safeguard freedom of navigation, deter coercion, and promote stability through joint exercises and strategy convergence.

3. What are the main differences in their approach to China?
The EU balances China as both a partner and rival, whereas India sees China primarily as a threat. This creates a gap in strategic outlook.

4. Why is Russia a challenge in EU–India relations?
Because the EU views Russia as a major threat after Ukraine, while India maintains defence and energy cooperation with Moscow.

5. What is the main obstacle in the EU–India FTA?
Differences over tariffs, data regulations, and market access continue to delay trade negotiations.