Maiden visit of the EU Political and Security Committee to India to explore defence and security agenda

The EU’s Political and Security (PSC), comprising the Chair Ambassador Delphine Pronk and 27 EU Member States' Ambassadors based in Brussels, would be visiting India from 10th to 14th September to explore future avenues for enhancing cooperation on key foreign policy matters, security and defence.

During their first visit to India, the Committee will hold strategic discussions with high-level Indian government officials, private sector defence representatives, civil society organisations and leading think tanks. This extensive engagement aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of policy priorities, while exploring future avenues for enhancing cooperation on key foreign policy matters, security and defence, particularly in the lead up to the upcoming EU-India Summit.

Expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming visit, Pronk said, “EU-India collaboration is vital in key areas of mutual interest, including counterterrorism, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, maritime security and maritime domain awareness, space security, defence industry cooperation and countering foreign information manipulation and interference. These critical issues will be high on our agenda and the insights and recommendations gathered from our visit will be presented to the top political leaders of the EU, paving the way for enhanced cooperation”

Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India emphasized, “In today’s volatile geopolitical and economic landscape, the EU and India emerge as natural partners with strongly converging interests and shared values. Our leaders are determined to elevate the EU-India Strategic Partnership and harness its immense potential. This partnership of mutual benefit can contribute to the prosperity and safety of our citizens and contribute to global stability and security.” On the visit, he added, “The PSC visit to India underscores the Team Europe’s collective will to strengthen ties with India, especially in the area of defence and security cooperation.”

The visit builds on recent key milestones, including the EU College of Commissioners’ visit to India in February, the inaugural EU-India Strategic Dialogue in June, and the upcoming EU-India Summit in early 2026. The EU is one of India’s largest trading partners and investors, with both sides aiming to conclude a free trade agreement by the end of 2025. The EU and India as large, pluralistic democracies share a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law, human rights, and democratic governance.

The Political and Security Committee is composed of EU Member States' ambassadors based in Brussels and is chaired by the European External Action Service. It plays a decisive role in the conduct of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Its key responsibilities include monitoring the international situation and recommending strategic approaches to the Council of the European Union. The Committee also provides guidance to the EU Military Committee and other groups, while ensuring political control and strategic direction of crisis management operations.

The Political and Security Committee arranges regular working visits abroad with the group of PSC Ambassadors to engage in political dialogues with international partners, third states and external organisations. These visits allow the EU and its Member States to engage with partners on matters relating to foreign policy, security and defence. Such engagements allow the EU to factor in first hand external views into the EU’s foreign policy shaping and achieve a 360-degree policy assessment.