India, EU Ink Landmark Security Pact, Conclude FTA Talks

• India and the European Union signed a Security and Defence Partnership Agreement on January 27, enhancing cooperation in maritime security, defence technology, and industry.
• The agreement was signed during the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to New Delhi.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and von der Leyen announced the conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to boost bilateral ties and strengthen supply chains.
• The partnership is the first overarching defence and security framework, covering cyber threats, space, and counter-terrorism, with negotiations also launched for a Security of Information Agreement.
• A long-term vision, "Towards 2030: India–EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda," was adopted to elevate strategic cooperation across five key pillars, including security and defence.

Why It Matters: India and the EU strengthened ties with a new security pact and concluded FTA talks, boosting strategic cooperation.