Indian Officials Visit Europe to Strengthen Security and Defence Ties with EU
Brussels, Belgium, September 5, 2024: Senior Indian officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Defence (MOD) participated in a three-day study visit organized by the European Union (EU) to enhance security and defence cooperation. The visit took place from September 2-4, 2024, and included stops at EU institutions in Brussels, Belgium, and the EU Naval Force Operation (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA headquarters in Rota, Spain.
Purpose of the Visit
The visit, facilitated by the EU Delegation to India and the EU co-funded Enhancing Security Cooperation In and with Asia (ESIWA) project, aimed to familiarize Indian officials with the EU’s security and defence mechanisms. The goal was to explore potential cooperation in Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Participants
The Indian delegation was led by Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary of the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division, MEA, and was accompanied by Captain (Navy) Fabrizio Falzi, Defence Attache of the EU Delegation to India.
Activities and Discussions
The three-day mission included detailed briefings and discussions at the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Directorate for Security and Defence Policy, the European Security and Defence College, and the European Union Military Staff. Representatives from the European Maritime Security Agency and FRONTEX also engaged with the Indian delegation to identify areas of mutual interest and cooperation between the EU and the Indian Coast Guard.
Statements from Officials
Herve Delphin, Ambassador of the EU to India, emphasized the importance of the visit, stating, “This visit highlights the shared commitment of India and the EU to strengthening security and defence ties. Maritime security is a common concern and prime focus for cooperation.”
Delphin also noted the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region for both India and the EU, saying, “The Indo-Pacific region is a vital hub of strategic importance to both India and the EU due to the growing interdependence of global economies and the importance of maritime supply chains.”
Conclusion
The visit concluded with a tour of the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation’s headquarters in Rota, Spain, where Indian officials observed the EU’s maritime security operations. The visit provided an opportunity for peer-to-peer exchange and a deeper understanding of each other’s strategic and operational frameworks, further strengthening the EU-India Strategic Partnership.
Doubts Revealed
Ministry of External Affairs -: This is a part of the Indian government that handles India’s relationships with other countries.
Ministry of Defence -: This is a part of the Indian government that takes care of the country’s military and defense matters.
European Union (EU) -: The EU is a group of 27 countries in Europe that work together on things like trade, security, and laws.
Brussels -: Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and is also considered the main place where the EU does its work.
EU Naval Force Operation ATALANTA -: This is a mission by the EU to stop pirates from attacking ships near the coast of Africa.
Common Security and Defence Policy -: This is a plan by the EU to work together on military and security issues.
Indo-Pacific region -: This is a large area that includes the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, important for trade and security.
Muanpuii Saiawi -: Muanpuii Saiawi is a senior official from India who helps manage relationships with other countries.
Captain Fabrizio Falzi -: Captain Fabrizio Falzi is a high-ranking officer who works with the EU on military matters.
