Can the EU and India work together to secure the Indo-Pacific?

The European Union is increasingly seeking a larger role in Indo-Pacific security, while India explores new regional partnerships and defense ties with the European bloc. Experts note that while both sides have engaged in recent dialogues, significant challenges remain due to differing strategic priorities, particularly regarding Russia and China.

Diplomatic Engagements and Institutional Steps

India and the EU signed a Security and Defense Partnership in January, followed by their first formal Security and Defense Dialogue in March. Subsequent meetings included the fifth Maritime Security Dialogue held in Brussels.

• Institutional Framework: The recent partnership creates a structured framework for engagement.
• Bilateral Tracks: Much of the practical cooperation occurs directly between New Delhi and individual European nations rather than uniformly through Brussels.
• Key European Partners: France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Poland have emerged as important bilateral partners for India.

Role of France and Individual Nations

France stands out as a major security partner in the Indian Ocean due to its established military presence in Reunion Island and Mayotte, along with having no current defense cooperation with Pakistan or China. Analysts suggest that France's role can be further intensified.

• Bilateral Defense Purchases: India continues to acquire major defense items, such as submarines from Germany and fighter jets from France.
• Emerging Cooperation: Experts point to potential collaborations in maritime domain awareness, space, critical minerals, chips, and defense technologies.
• Technology Sharing: India might access drone technology, while also potentially serving as a defense supplier for a re-arming Europe.

Strategic Divergences on Russia and China

Despite expanding defense ties, experts warn that closer cooperation does not equate to a shared strategic outlook. Significant differences persist between Brussels and New Delhi:

• Russia Policy: India maintains a heavy reliance on Russian military equipment and technology, whereas European governments remain in a tense standoff with Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
• China Dynamics: While India faces direct security challenges and border disputes with China, EU member states display varying approaches in balancing security concerns with economic ties to Beijing.
• Competing Priorities: European resources and attention remain constrained by existential security crises closer to home, such as the conflict in Ukraine.

Outlook for Security Cooperation

According to interviewed experts and diplomats, a unified European security role across the Indo-Pacific faces internal EU political differences and differing regional ambitions. Therefore, practical areas like maritime domain awareness, information-sharing, and selective industrial cooperation offer more realistic prospects than a comprehensive joint security commitment.