India and EU Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation to Combat Terrorism
India and EU ready security pact amid concerns over Indo-Pacific.
Photo by Daniel Seel
Key Facts
Pact: India-EU security and defence partnership
Sign date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Focus: Maritime security, counter-terrorism
Region: Indo-Pacific
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: International Relations - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.
GS Paper 3: Security - Linkage between development and spread of extremism.
Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs on the evolution of India-EU relations, analytical questions on the significance of maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Visual Insights
Indo-Pacific Region: Focus of India-EU Maritime Security Cooperation
This map highlights the Indo-Pacific region, the primary area of focus for the enhanced maritime security cooperation between India and the EU. It shows key maritime routes and strategic locations.
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More Information
Background
The India-EU relationship has evolved significantly since the first Cooperation Agreement in 1994. Initially focused on trade and economic cooperation, the partnership gradually expanded to include political dialogue, cultural exchanges, and development assistance. A key turning point was the establishment of a Strategic Partnership in 2004, which formalized high-level dialogues and cooperation across various sectors.
The EU has been a consistent advocate for multilateralism and a rules-based international order, principles that resonate with India's foreign policy objectives. However, differences in trade policies, agricultural subsidies, and climate change commitments have sometimes created friction. The pursuit of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been a long-standing goal, facing numerous hurdles due to differing priorities and sensitivities on both sides.
Despite these challenges, the shared commitment to democracy, human rights, and sustainable development has provided a strong foundation for the partnership.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the India-EU relationship has gained renewed momentum, driven by shared concerns about geopolitical stability and the rise of China. The EU's Indo-Pacific strategy, launched in 2021, recognizes India as a key partner in promoting security and prosperity in the region. Increased cooperation on climate change, digital technologies, and healthcare has also strengthened ties.
The resumption of FTA negotiations in 2022 signals a renewed commitment to deepening economic integration. Furthermore, the establishment of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in 2023 aims to foster collaboration on strategic technologies and address trade barriers. Looking ahead, the partnership is expected to focus on enhancing security cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and navigating the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the historical evolution of India-EU relations? I. The initial focus was primarily on political and cultural exchanges. II. The establishment of a Strategic Partnership in 2004 formalized high-level dialogues and cooperation across various sectors. III. Differences in trade policies and agricultural subsidies have never posed challenges to the relationship. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.I only
- B.II only
- C.I and II only
- D.II and III only
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement I is INCORRECT: The initial focus was on trade and economic cooperation, not primarily political and cultural exchanges. Statement II is CORRECT: The Strategic Partnership in 2004 did formalize high-level dialogues and cooperation across various sectors. Statement III is INCORRECT: Differences in trade policies and agricultural subsidies have indeed posed challenges to the relationship. Therefore, only statement II is correct.
2. Consider the following statements regarding the EU's Indo-Pacific Strategy: I. It recognizes India as a key partner in promoting security and prosperity in the region. II. It was launched in 2023 with the primary goal of countering China's influence. III. It focuses exclusively on maritime security cooperation, neglecting other areas of collaboration. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.I only
- B.II only
- C.I and II only
- D.II and III only
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement I is CORRECT: The EU's Indo-Pacific Strategy does recognize India as a key partner. Statement II is INCORRECT: It was launched in 2021, not 2023. Statement III is INCORRECT: It does not focus exclusively on maritime security; it includes other areas of collaboration like climate change and digital technologies. Therefore, only statement I is correct.
3. Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC)?
- A.Fostering collaboration on strategic technologies
- B.Addressing trade barriers between India and the EU
- C.Promoting military alliances in the Indo-Pacific region
- D.Deepening economic integration
Show Answer
Answer: C
The EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) aims to foster collaboration on strategic technologies, address trade barriers, and deepen economic integration. Promoting military alliances is not a stated objective of the TTC.
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