New Delhi: India and the European Union are taking their maritime security cooperation to a new level. In a landmark decision, the EU will now station a Liaison Officer (LO) at the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram, a key Indian Navy hub established to enhance maritime surveillance and security operations in the Indian Ocean.
This development was confirmed during a high-level meeting in New Delhi on January 27, 2026, between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Kaja Kallas, High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission. Discussions focused on bilateral security, defence industry cooperation, and shared strategies in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Strengthening Defence Industry Ties
Rajnath Singh emphasized that Indian and European defence industries should collaborate to create a strong, reliable defence ecosystem, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision and the EU’s goal of strategic autonomy. He noted that integrated defence supply chains would serve as a force multiplier, enhancing operational capabilities and readiness for future security challenges.
India’s Role in EU’s Re-Arm Initiative
The Defence Minister also highlighted India’s potential contribution to the EU’s Re-Arm Initiative, aimed at diversifying defence suppliers to reduce dependency on a single country. India’s robust capabilities in defence production, manufacturing, and technology make it a reliable partner, benefiting both sides strategically and operationally.
Significance of the Liaison Officer at IFC-IOR
The EU Liaison Officer will strengthen real-time operational coordination, counter-piracy efforts, and threat assessment in the IOR. The move follows a similar deployment by Germany during its recent engagements in the region, further solidifying the Information Fusion Centre’s role as a multinational hub for maritime security cooperation.
Located in Gurugram, the IFC-IOR monitors all activities in the Indian Ocean, including shipping traffic, piracy, smuggling, terrorist activities, and suspicious movements. The centre hosts personnel from various nations, including liaison officers from around 12 countries, and works 24×7 to collect, analyse, and share maritime intelligence across its 76-plus links with multinational security agencies.
A New Chapter in India-EU Relations
This development marks a significant milestone in India-EU defence ties. While India continues to advance its self-reliance and strategic capabilities, the EU seeks trusted partners to reinforce its security strategy. By deepening operational cooperation and information sharing in the Indian Ocean, both India and the EU are strengthening a long-term, rules-based security partnership.
