The EU’s Political & Security Committee is meeting Indian leaders, defence players, and think tanks. Agenda: cyber, terrorism, maritime security, Indo-Pacific. Big words, bigger stakes.

Europe has arrived in Delhi in full strength. The European Union’s Political and Security Committee, the bloc’s highest foreign policy body, is here with all 27 ambassadors. Led by Ambassador Delphine Pronk, the delegation is holding meetings on defence, cybersecurity, terrorism, disinformation and the Indo-Pacific. It is being hailed as historic. But the real question is, why now?

The answer is uncomfortable for Brussels. The war in Ukraine has left Europe dependent on America and desperate for new partners. Hybrid attacks, cyber warfare and propaganda campaigns are eating away at its political stability. China’s rise has exposed Europe’s vulnerability in Asia. In this storm, India is no longer seen as a distant democracy. It is now viewed as a lifeline.

This sudden warmth hides years of indifference. Europe often ignored India’s concerns on terrorism. It dragged its feet on defence technology. It preferred lofty lectures on values over hard discussions on security. Today, with pressure mounting at home, the same Europe seeks India’s hand in defence, intelligence and the Indo-Pacific. That looks less like partnership and more like convenience.

Delhi should not be swayed by flattery. Europe needs India more than India needs Europe. The challenge is to see whether this visit leads to something concrete. Will Brussels open the doors to defence cooperation? Will it share technology and invest in India’s production lines? Or will it slip back into old habits once its immediate crises ease?

India has the upper hand. This is the time to negotiate firmly. Maritime security, cyber defence and joint production are all areas of cooperation, but only if Europe treats India as an equal. Symbolism will not be enough.

Europe has come to India not out of generosity but out of desperation. What Delhi must decide is whether this urgency can be turned into long-term strategic advantage.

History will not remember this visit for the handshakes. It will remember whether India demanded a partnership on its own terms.