For Europe, India a pillar of certainty… both exploring security and defence partnership: European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on India-EU ties

“They reiterated their commitment to international peace and security, including maritime security by tackling traditional and non-traditional threats to safeguard trade & sea lanes of communication. They emphasised the need to deepen collaboration in counter terrorism and to strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and terrorism financing in a comprehensive and sustained manner,” the statement said.

Modi and von der Leyen also discussed key international and regional issues, including “the situation in the Middle-East and the war in Ukraine”, the statement said.

On the Ukraine war, the leaders expressed “support for a just and lasting peace” “based on respect for international law, principles of the UN charter and territorial integrity and sovereignty”, said the statement. This is significant: It comes as the US and Russia are in direct talks to put an end to the war in Ukraine. On Friday, US President Donald Trump met with his Ukraine counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy and told him Kyiv must accept “compromises” for a peace agreement with Moscow.

Modi and von der Leyen also “reiterated their commitment to the vision of the two-State solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within recognised borders, consistent with international law”, the statement said.

Earlier, speaking at an event organised by the EU mission in Delhi and India’s World magazine, von der Leyen said, “India is a like-minded friend. We are the two largest democracies in the world. And under your leadership, Prime Minister, it has been thriving. We are bound by shared convictions and values. From resilient supply chains to our shared interest in a free and open Indo-Pacific, we are working together. Today’s exchanges will set the path for the future of our relationship. We have agreed to work on a new Strategic Agenda.”

The EU leader’s remark assumes significance in the wake of the Chinese assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.

Looking at “deeper cooperation” in “defence and security”, she said, “For Europe, India is a pillar of certainty in an increasingly uncertain world. We know that authoritarian states are getting bolder, ignoring borders and threatening peace at sea. Now is the time to step up our security and defence cooperation on land, at sea and in space.”

“On defence, we see avenues for cooperation. India is looking into diversifying its military supply and access to new capabilities, so does Europe. So, both India and the European Union can be partners on this topic,” she said.

The European Commission President also underlined the need for cooperation in cybersecurity and maritime security.

“Cybersecurity has never been so crucial… Because threats are evolving, becoming more sophisticated by the day. Maritime security is just as essential. The Indian Ocean is a lifeline for global trade. Ensuring its security is vital, not just for India but for the whole world. We should also explore expanding our joint naval exercises, building on our very successful operations in the Gulf of Guinea and the Red Sea,” she said.

The joint statement said that both leaders expressed “confidence that this momentous visit will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further expand and deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership”. “They looked forward to the next India EU Summit being organized in India at the earliest mutually convenient time and to the adoption of a new joint Strategic Agenda on that occasion,” it said.