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The European Union’s (EU) Political and Security Committee (PSC) will make its first-ever visit to India from September 10–14, signalling a significant step in the bloc’s efforts to deepen defence, security, and foreign policy engagement with New Delhi. The visit comes at a time when both partners are navigating a shifting global order marked by economic protectionism, intensifying geopolitical rivalries, and conflicts reshaping security priorities.
The PSC delegation, led by Chair Ambassador Delphine Pronk, will include ambassadors from all 27 EU member states based in Brussels. During the week-long visit, they will engage with senior Indian government officials, defence industry representatives, policy experts, and civil society stakeholders.
Why Now?
The timing of the PSC’s outreach highlights Europe’s growing interest in India as a strategic partner. With the United States adopting a more protectionist economic stance, including tariff measures that affect both European and Indian exports, Brussels is seeking to reduce its dependence on Washington and diversify its external partnerships. At the same time, Russia’s war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and maritime disruptions in the Indo-Pacific have pushed security considerations higher on the EU’s agenda.
India, with its expanding role in the Indo-Pacific and growing defence-industrial capabilities, offers a valuable partner for Europe in areas ranging from maritime security and cyber resilience to supply chain diversification and counterterrorism.
Beyond Economics
Although India and the EU are in the final stages of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement expected by the end of 2025, the PSC visit demonstrates that ties are no longer confined to trade. Defence cooperation, technology partnerships, and strategic security issues are now central to the dialogue.
Ambassador Pronk described the moment as “critical for international partnerships,” noting that both sides share interests in addressing cyber threats, maritime security, disinformation, and space governance. EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin added that the visit underscores Europe’s “growing strategic investment” in its partnership with India.
Strengthening Strategic Convergence
The visit follows a recent trilateral phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where both sides reaffirmed commitments in defence, security, and counterterrorism. It also builds on earlier high-level engagements this year, including the EU College of Commissioners’ visit in February and the inaugural EU-India Strategic Dialogue in June.
As a key decision-making body for the EU’s foreign and security policy, the PSC conducts visits to strengthen strategic ties with partners around the world. Its first trip to India reflects Europe’s recognition of New Delhi as a pivotal geopolitical player in an increasingly multipolar world order.
Looking Ahead
The PSC visit is expected to lay the groundwork for the next India-EU Summit in early 2026 and to broaden cooperation in areas such as defence technology, sustainability, and crisis management. For both India and the EU, the engagement is as much about immediate security concerns as it is about long-term positioning in a global order that is becoming more fragmented.
Huma Siddiqui
