IMEC India-EU Security and Defence Partnership
India and the European Union (EU) have committed to exploring a security and defence partnership to counter global threats and enhance the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) potential.
Key Initiatives and Agreements
- Commitment to hold summits on renewable energy and strengthen ties in artificial intelligence (AI).
- The EU's encouragement of India's participation in the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) and negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement (SoIA).
- Plans for a review meeting with all IMEC partners to assess progress.
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
Announced during the 2023 G20 Summit, IMEC is a sea-land connectivity project linking India with West Asia and Europe, aimed at countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Collaborative Projects and Research
- An India-EU Green Hydrogen Forum and a business summit on offshore wind energy.
- Joint research cooperation on battery recycling, marine plastic litter, and waste-to-hydrogen, with a budget of €60 million from Horizon Europe and matching Indian contributions.
- Upcoming dialogue on space cooperation and pilot trilateral cooperation projects in Africa and the Indo-Pacific.
Technological and Mobility Advancements
- Strengthening ties between the India-AI Mission and the EU AI Office.
- Signing of a MoU between the Bharat 6G Alliance and the EU 6G Smart Networks for telecommunications security.
- Fast-tracked discussions on mobility and migration partnerships, focusing on simplified Schengen visas and EU Blue Cards.
Visa and Bilateral Interactions
- Introduction of the EU's Cascade Visa Regime, effective from April 18, 2024, allowing multi-entry visas up to two years, extendable to five years.
- Emphasis on enhancing India-EU relations, marked by 110 interactions in the past 18 months and a strategic partnership established 20 years ago.
