As the high level European Union (EU) delegation visits New Delhi on February 27-28, 2025, led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, experts are urging a more decisive and action-oriented EU approach toward India and the Indo-Pacific.
At an international webinar hosted by CUTS International, a prominent forty-year-old global research, policy and advocacy group, thought leaders emphasised that the geopolitical landscape demands deeper Indo-European cooperation beyond symbolic gestures.
The webinar titled “From Connectivity to Security: EU’s Vision for the Indo-Pacific” started with the question: Will Europe continue to rely on an unpredictable ally, or take charge of its security future?” posed by the moderator, Shruti Pandalai, Fellow, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, India.
“If this geopolitical moment doesn’t bring the EU and India together, I don’t know what will. Both have disappointed in the past—just look at the stalled FTA—but now it’s truly now or never,” remarked Amb. Mohan Kumar, former Indian Ambassador and Dean, Jindal School of International Affairs, OP Jindal University underlined the urgency of deeper Indo-European cooperation.
Kumar further highlighted the India-EU Trade and Technology Council as a cornerstone for economic security and resilient supply chains. He argued that Europe’s strategic hedge in the Indo-Pacific is India, noting, “The EU already relies heavily on China and sees it as a systemic rival. The natural strategic hedge in the Indo-Pacific is India.”
“The EU remains a geo-economic giant, but it lacks the geopolitical power to compete with players like the U.S., China, and Russia.” said Velina Tchakarova, Founder, FACE, an Austria-based consultancy group.
She cautioned that Washington perceives Europe as unwilling to project military strength when needed, which will influence the U.S.'s future alliance priorities.
Addressing the moderator’s question, Jivanta Schottli, Assistant Professor, School of Law and Government, Dublin City University, Ireland remarked, “If Germany’s economy is spluttering, it unnerves the whole of Europe. Why should anyone bother about the Indo-Pacific when Europe itself is struggling with competitiveness and growth?”
“Maritime security isn’t just about defence; it’s the backbone of global trade, stability, and connectivity. For India and the EU, deepening cooperation in this space is essential”, said Lauren Dagan Amoss, Researcher, Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, Israel
Kamakshi Wason, Global COO, Tillotama Foundation underscored the importance of the EU-India relationship in security and economic cooperation, asserting, “Finalising the free trade agreement will unlock new economic opportunities reinforcing our shared commitment to an open, rules-based order.”
She also highlighted the EU’s proactive role in tackling hybrid threats, cyberattacks, and territorial disputes in the Indo-Pacific.
In summarising, Purushendra Singh, Associate Director, CUTS International mentioned that the webinar underscored that the EU’s vision for the Indo-Pacific cannot remain a rhetorical commitment; it must translate into concrete policy actions.
Whether it is finalising trade agreements, expanding connectivity initiatives, or deepening security cooperation, the EU must prove that it is ready to be more than just a geo-economic giant and it must demonstrate geopolitical resolve.
As the world moves toward a more fragmented and uncertain order, the strength of the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy will determine whether it can remain an influential global player or risk being shaped by decisions made elsewhere.
For further information, please contact:
--------------------------------------------------
Dhruv Bansal +91 81093 50604; dhb@cuts.org