New Delhi — In a high-level dialogue aimed at strengthening India–European Union defence cooperation, senior European diplomats, Indian industry leaders, and strategic experts convened to explore the emerging concept of “Partnered Security.” The discussion centered on aligning India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities with Europe’s evolving strategic posture.
Moderated by senior journalist Vishnu Som, the dialogue took place against the backdrop of the EU’s newly launched Readiness 2030 (ReArm Europe) initiative — an €800 billion plan to bolster the continent’s defence autonomy. Participants examined how India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives could contribute through joint ventures, technology collaborations, and co-production models.
Delivering the opening address, Shishir Priyadarshi, President of CRF, called for moving beyond transactional defence ties toward a more structured and predictable partnership. “We must co-develop capabilities and foster a trusted manufacturing ecosystem between Indian and European firms,” he urged, while advocating for regulatory alignment and mutual understanding of industrial strengths.
German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann highlighted Europe’s recalibration of its security framework following the Ukraine conflict. “The U.S. security umbrella is no longer taken for granted. Europe must develop independent capabilities,” he said. Citing enhanced Indo-German defence collaboration — particularly in submarine production — he described India as a like-minded partner committed to a rules-based global order.
Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, outlined India’s transformation from a defence importer to an emerging exporter. He traced key milestones such as the 2014 launch of Make in India, operational successes like Operation Sindoor, and the Defence Production Policy's emphasis on indigenisation. “What we achieved in telecom, we can replicate in defence,” he stated, adding that India is now positioned to deliver cost-effective, high-volume solutions tailored to Europe’s strategic needs.
Rajvanshi emphasized Adani’s investment in talent and infrastructure: “We knew we wouldn’t always find ready-made expertise, so we built systems to train and scale. Today, we’re manufacturing NATO-certified ammunition and other advanced capabilities — at scale and with quality.”
Damien Syed, Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy, reiterated the centrality of defence in Indo-French ties. He noted France’s willingness to not only supply high-end technologies like jet engines but also co-develop next-generation platforms with India. “Strategic autonomy isn’t about going it alone — it’s about building trust-based partnerships,” he said.
Aurora Russi, Chargé d’Affaires at the Italian Embassy, spotlighted maritime cooperation as the cornerstone of India–Italy defence relations. “In the past two years, we’ve had four major naval port calls and expanding joint exercises,” she noted. She also referenced the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership in 2023 and the signing of a Defence Cooperation MoU in April 2025 as milestones in deepening engagement.
Former Indian Ambassador Anil Wadhwa offered a geopolitical perspective, acknowledging India’s historical defence links with Russia while noting a strategic pivot toward diversification. “Europe is increasingly viewed as a reliable partner. In domains like shipbuilding and maritime security, European collaboration can offer real value,” he remarked.
The panel also addressed broader themes, including rare earth supply chains, the expansion of India’s small arms industry, and the reputational and regulatory considerations affecting exports and FTA negotiations. European representatives voiced strong confidence in India’s role as a dependable defence partner, with minimal concerns over its strategic engagements with other global players.
The dialogue concluded with a shared recognition that defence industrial cooperation between India and the EU is evolving into a central pillar of their broader strategic alignment. As Europe strengthens its security architecture and India accelerates its defence industrial base, the foundation is being laid for a mature, future-focused partnership grounded in trust, technological synergy, and shared global responsibilities. (Source: Awazthevoice)
