![](https://bharatshakti.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LT-BSI-Defence.gif")
India and the European Union (EU) have completed a first-of-its-kind joint counterterrorism training program focused on emerging threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. Held from October 13 to 15 at the National Security Guard (NSG) campus in Manesar, Gurugram, the initiative brought together elite units and technical experts from both sides to improve readiness against drone-based attacks on critical infrastructure and soft targets.
This collaborative exercise marks a new phase in operational cooperation between India and the EU, moving beyond dialogue to hands-on, scenario-based training. With drones becoming more accessible and technologically advanced, their misuse by terrorist groups and other hostile actors has raised complex security concerns globally.
During the three-day training, India’s NSG and the EU’s High Risk Security Network (HRSN) conducted joint tactical drills, shared technical know-how, and explored deployment strategies suited for urban environments and mass gatherings. The sessions also covered advanced detection and neutralisation methods, including AI-driven surveillance, sensor integration, and both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures.
The event included a simulated joint operation that tested participants’ response capabilities in a high-pressure urban setting. Outcomes from this exercise will inform the drafting of new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for drone and counter-drone operations, as well as an Engagement Decision Matrix tailored to real-world deployment scenarios.
Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, stated: “This joint training shows how the EU and India are turning commitment into action, working side by side to keep our citizens safe. Like India, the EU and its Member States have also experienced drone-related threats. These are evolving rapidly as part of hybrid warfare tactics. Only swift and coordinated responses will keep us ahead, and that’s what this exercise is about.”
An NSG official added: “The National Security Guard remains committed to adapting to emerging security challenges, including those posed by the misuse of unmanned aerial systems. Our cooperation with the EU High Risk Security Network has been a valuable opportunity to exchange best practices and strengthen our preparedness to counter drone-related threats.”
The training was jointly organised by the EU Delegation to India and the NSG. It was supported by the EU-funded ESIWA+ project (Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia and the Indo-Pacific). The exercise builds on the growing momentum of India-EU counterterrorism cooperation, including the recent College of Commissioners’ visit to India in February 2025 and the updated Joint Strategic Agenda.
A New Chapter in India-EU Counterterrorism Cooperation
India and the EU have steadily expanded their engagement on counterterrorism, anchored by regular Counterterrorism Dialogues. The most recent, held in Brussels on 9 September 2025, addressed threats from UAS, cross-border terrorism, and online radicalisation.
Their cooperation dates back over two decades. Notably, in February 2022, both sides conducted a joint workshop on terrorist content online, marking their first operational engagement in this area. Since then, the regulation of digital spaces and combating terrorist use of emerging technologies have remained key priorities.
This recent hands-on exercise is the latest outcome of the India-EU Track 1.5 Roundtable on Countering Terrorist Exploitation of UAS, held in February 2024. It reflects a shared understanding that counterterrorism today demands both policy coordination and real-world operational readiness.
Shared Values, Shared Responsibilities
As the world’s two largest democracies, the EU and India share common ground on the need for a rules-based global order and collective security. Their relationship, formalised as a strategic partnership since 2004, continues to deepen across multiple domains, including security, trade, and digital governance.
Over 50 structured dialogues guide India-EU cooperation today, including through frameworks like the EU-India Strategic Partnership Roadmap (2020–2025) and the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Team BharatShakti
