The European Union (EU) and India are exploring deeper security and defence cooperation as part of their strategic partnership, reflecting shared concerns about maritime security, counter-terrorism, and the complexities of the Indo-Pacific region.
In a significant move, the EU has proposed placing a liaison officer at the Information Fusion Center Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram. Established by the Indian Navy, the IOR-IFC is a hub for monitoring maritime activities and fostering cooperation among partner nations to ensure security in the Indian Ocean.
The proposed EU liaison officer signifies the EU's growing interest in Indo-Pacific maritime security and aims to bolster information sharing and coordination to address challenges such as piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing.
This proposal aligns with the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy, which emphasizes a rules-based order, freedom of navigation, and stronger partnerships with like-minded nations, including India. For India, this collaboration presents an opportunity to deepen defence and strategic ties with Europe.
India and the EU have been actively engaged in dialogues on defence procurement, joint military exercises, and counter-terrorism initiatives. Their cooperation extends to cybersecurity, space security, and technology sharing.
This burgeoning India-EU defence partnership underscores the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, a critical route for global trade and energy supplies, which faces mounting challenges such as territorial disputes and militarization.
Closer ties with the EU bolster India's efforts to address regional security threats and diversify its strategic alliances. For the EU, engaging with India offers a way to enhance its presence in the Indo-Pacific and contribute to regional stability.
This partnership reflects a growing convergence of interests between India and the EU in promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
