Today marked a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between India and the European Union as the 2nd India-European Union Security & Defence Consultations convened in the capital city.
Co-chaired by Shri Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) of the Ministry of Defence, India, and Ms. Joanneke Balfoort, Director for Security & Defence Policy at the European External Action Service (EEAS), the meeting heralded a new era of collaboration and cooperation in the realms of security and defense.
The high-level consultation brought together senior officials and experts from both sides, providing a platform for constructive dialogue and exchange of views on a wide range of security and defense-related issues of mutual interest.
Against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics and emerging security challenges, the meeting served as an opportunity to deepen understanding, identify areas of convergence, and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation between India and the European Union.
Shri Vishwesh Negi, representing India, reiterated the country’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, stability, and security in the region and beyond.
He emphasized India’s proactive engagement in fostering a rules-based international order and highlighted the importance of inclusive multilateralism in addressing global security challenges.
Mr. Negi underscored India’s readiness to collaborate with the European Union on shared security objectives, leveraging the synergies and strengths of both partners.
Ms. Joanneke Balfoort, representing the European Union, echoed similar sentiments, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with India in the realm of security and defense.
She underscored the EU’s interest in deepening engagement with India on common security challenges, including counter-terrorism, maritime security, cybersecurity, and defense technology cooperation.
Ms. Balfoort expressed optimism about the potential for closer collaboration between India and the EU, leveraging their respective capabilities and expertise to address shared security concerns.
During the consultations, both sides engaged in fruitful discussions on a wide range of topics, including regional security dynamics, crisis management, peacekeeping operations, and defense-industrial cooperation.
The participants exchanged views on ongoing security challenges in their respective regions and explored opportunities for joint initiatives to address common threats and promote stability.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to review the progress achieved since the inaugural India-EU Security & Defence Consultations and chart a roadmap for future cooperation.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations and underscored their commitment to further deepening strategic engagement in the security and defense domain.
As the consultations concluded, Shri Vishwesh Negi and Ms. Joanneke Balfoort reiterated their commitment to advancing the strategic partnership between India and the European Union in the areas of security and defense.
They emphasized the importance of regular dialogue and cooperation in addressing shared security challenges and promoting peace and stability in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.
The successful convening of the 2nd India-European Union Security & Defence Consultations underscored the growing convergence of interests and shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the security and defense sphere.
It laid a solid foundation for continued engagement and collaboration between India and the European Union, fostering greater security and stability in the region and contributing to global peace and prosperity.
