India, EU step up security and defence cooperation as top EU committee visits New Delhi
New Delhi, September 13. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held talks with members of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the Council of the European Union in New Delhi on September 12, marking a significant step in strengthening India-EU strategic engagement.
The discussions were attended by Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) Sibi George, and other senior officials. The 30-member EU delegation, led by PSC Chair Delphine Pronk, included ambassadors of EU member states as well as officials from the European Commission and the European External Action Service. This was the committee’s first ever visit to Asia.
Both sides welcomed the growing frequency of high-level political exchanges and sectoral dialogues. Talks focused on advancing cooperation in security and defence, with a strong emphasis on finalising the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership and the Security of Information Agreement at the earliest. The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the long-awaited India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year, while sharing perspectives on key regional and global developments.
During their two-day visit, the EU delegation also met the Defence Secretary, received a briefing at the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), and interacted with representatives from India’s defence industry.
The PSC visit follows the landmark trip of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February 2025 and underscores the growing convergence in India-EU ties. Regular exchanges already take place in areas such as maritime security, cyber cooperation, and counter-terrorism, with both sides exploring new opportunities for collaboration in defence industry and manufacturing.
