Brussels/New Delhi : The European Union and India are preparing to sign a new security and defence partnership that will open the door for Indian participation in European defence initiatives, according to a draft document seen by Reuters.

The agreement comes as Europe looks to diversify its strategic ties, reducing reliance on the United States and China while strengthening partnerships with other regions. The draft states that the EU and India will consult on their respective defence initiatives, including exchanges on defence industry matters, and explore opportunities for India’s involvement in EU-led projects where priorities align.

The partnership envisions an annual dialogue on security and defence, with cooperation extending to maritime security, cyber resilience, and counterterrorism. The document highlights the growing complexity of global threats, rising geopolitical tensions, and rapid technological change as key drivers for closer collaboration.

The move coincides with India’s recent approval of $8.8 billion in defence allocations for its Army, Navy, and Air Force, underscoring its push to modernize military capabilities.

Alongside the defence pact, India and the EU are expected to announce the conclusion of long-running negotiations for a free trade agreement, marking a significant step in expanding economic ties between the two sides.

This dual-track approach strengthening both defence and trade—signals a deepening of EU-India relations at a time of shifting global power dynamics.