India and EU sign Security and Defence Partnership, opening a new chapter in strategic cooperation
India and the European Union have signed a Security and Defence Partnership on the margins of the EU–India Summit. The agreement sets a comprehensive framework for cooperation on areas such as maritime security, cyber, counter-terrorism and broader security dialogue, reflecting a push to deepen coordination amid a more challenging global environment.
What was signed, and when
On January 27, 2026, the European Union and India signed a Security and Defence Partnership at the EU–India Summit. The pact was signed by EU High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas and India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, according to the EU’s diplomatic service.
The Partnership is positioned as a structured framework intended to guide security and defence dialogue and translate cooperation into more concrete outcomes across shared priorities. It follows years of engagement in various sectoral formats and reflects a desire to raise ambition in the relationship.
Core cooperation areas
The EU has said the framework is designed to deliver results in areas including maritime security, cyber, and counter-terrorism. In practical terms, this can mean more regular consultations, coordination on assessments and best practices, and a clearer roadmap for joint work where interests overlap.
For India, the pact sits alongside its broader push for diversified security partnerships, while for the EU it strengthens outreach in the Indo-Pacific and complements existing security arrangements the EU has signed with other Asian partners.
How this fits into the wider EU–India summit agenda
The signing took place as the EU and India also advanced their overall strategic relationship during the summit. The security pact is framed as a response to a more complex and contested international environment, where both sides are seeking stronger cooperation mechanisms without relying on ad hoc engagement.
Next steps will matter more than the ceremony: whether working groups are created, how often meetings are held, and whether the partnership produces visible collaboration in maritime domain awareness, cyber resilience, counter-terror coordination, and related strategic areas.
Key takeaways
- Signed on January 27, 2026 at the EU–India Summit.
- Creates a comprehensive framework for security and defence cooperation.
- Focus areas include maritime security, cyber and counter-terrorism.
- Signals an intent to convert dialogue into practical, trackable cooperation.
While the agreement sets direction, its long-term impact will depend on implementation: the pace of follow-up meetings, the depth of information-sharing, and whether both sides can align priorities across rapidly evolving strategic challenges.