'Security emerging as crucial element'

Security has emerged as a more important element in the European Union (EU)-India partnership in light of developments in the Indo-Pacific and the Red Sea and both sides are looking to work more closely on hybrid and maritime security, the EU's senior-most diplomat said on Wednesday.

- Rezaul H Laskar

Stefano Sannino, secretary general of the European External Action Service, said in an interview that the European side is interested to do more with India to build on substantial cooperation in the maritime sector, including joint exercises and activities. He said the EU is looking "to replicate and to broaden" its coordinated maritime presence in regions such as the Gulf of Guinea and the northwestern Indian Ocean by working with India.