India's defence industry can bolster EU's supply chain: Commissioner

India, with its robust defence industry, can play a critical role in the European Union's defence industry supply chains as European nations seek to expand and modernise their defence industry to meet emerging and future threats, European commissioner for defence and space Andrius Kubilius told ET.

"The proposed FTA (free trade agreement), when concluded, will also help to enhance defence partnership. The EU needs to modernise and strengthen its defence industry for defence preparedness. The Indian defence industry can play a key role in defence industry supply chains," Kubilius said.

The EU is exploring a defence and security pact with India on lines of the pacts that the EU has signed with Japan and South Korea, he said. Kubilius visited India as part of the EU's College of Commissioners for a high-level meeting on Friday.


The proposed defence pact will cover joint exercises, maritime security and cybersecurity matters, he said.

With regard to civilian space cooperation, the EU is hoping to synergise its projects with India, including in data sharing, according to Kubilius.

Ahead of the high-level meeting, Kubilius met the minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth. The discussions centred on enhancing bilateral defence ties, with a focus on maritime security and intelligence sharing in the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting underscored the growing defence collaboration between India and the EU, with the two sides exploring avenues for increased industrial cooperation.

Talks included the participation of European defence firms in joint ventures and co-production initiatives in India, along with the possibility of India's involvement in the EU's Permanent Structured Cooperation framework.