Ahead of the formal announcement of the India–EU free trade agreement, defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of the relationship. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s meeting with EU Vice President Kaja Kallas signals a decisive shift toward deeper strategic engagement. The talks focused on defence deals, technology collaboration, and security coordination, with India’s top military leadership present. The upcoming Security and Defence Partnership is expected to improve interoperability and allow Indian companies access to the EU’s SAFE defence funding mechanism. Both sides acknowledged global challenges, including the Russia–Ukraine conflict, while stressing their shared interest in maintaining a stable international order. From New Delhi’s perspective, the meeting highlights India’s growing role as a trusted defence partner for Europe. The India–EU relationship is no longer limited to economics. It is steadily evolving into a comprehensive strategic partnership with global implications.