In a significant diplomatic stride, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convened with Kaja Kallas, European Commission Vice-President and High Representative, in New Delhi’s South Block on Tuesday. India’s top military brass—Army, Navy, and Air Force chiefs—joined the high-level huddle to fortify India-EU defense bonds.
The conversation underscored mutual commitment to democratic ideals and legal governance as the bedrock of their alliance. Singh outlined visions for practical joint ventures promoting worldwide peace and growth. Key focus areas included forging resilient defense networks, supply chain synergies, and advanced capability building.
Reflecting on the productive session, Singh pointed to comprehensive deliberations on security matters, particularly collaboration in defense ecosystems and future technologies. Analysts predict exponential growth in India-EU defense ties, positioning it as vital for international stability.
Prominent figures present were General Upendra Dwivedi (Army), Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi (Navy), Air Chief Marshal AP Singh (Air Force), and CDS General Anil Chauhan. Singh called for aligned efforts between defense sectors to support India’s self-reliance drive and EU autonomy goals.
Kallas appreciated her Republic Day experience, lauding the EU parade contingent. She pushed for collaborative operations in the Indo-Pacific, leveraging joint drills for operational insights. The IFC-IOR liaison officer proposal was enthusiastically endorsed by Singh, promising better anti-maritime crime coordination and threat assessment.
Broader topics spanned global security landscapes, industrial production, technological alliances, and proactive measures against emerging risks. With EU chiefs gracing Republic Day and military representation in the parade, this meeting exemplifies deepening strategic convergence between the two powers.
