The European Union and India held their fourth maritime security dialogue in New Delhi on 21 March.
They discussed developments in the maritime security situation in Europe and in the Indian Ocean. They also explored avenues of cooperation in areas such as countering illicit maritime activities, the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, capacity building for the benefit of partners, and activities within regional maritime security forums. Cooperation on maritime domain awareness and on new joint activities at sea was also explored.
The EU and India are committed to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region. This is underpinned by the respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, democracy, rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, notably the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The meeting was co-chaired by Maciej Stadejek, Director for Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Service, and Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary for Disarmament and International Security Affairs at India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Background
This dialogue builds on the recent visit of the College of Commissioners to India, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen expressed their satisfaction with the growing cooperation in the defence and security domain, including joint exercises and collaboration between Indian Navy and EU Maritime security entities. They underscored their commitment to international peace and security, including maritime security by tackling traditional and non-traditional threats to safeguard trade & sea lanes of communication. Enhancing engagement on maritime domain awareness with a view to promote shared assessment, coordination and interoperability was one of the key deliverables of the visit.
Naval cooperation between the EU and India has expanded in recent years, with successful joint exercises in the Gulf of Guinea and Gulf of Aden.
