In recent times, India’s defence-industrial and technological partnerships have increasingly been diversifying away from its overwhelming dependency on Russia, especially in light of the war in Ukraine. Recent momentum in India-EU ties have focussed on increasing defence partnerships between India and European nations. However, for now, India’s defence ties with Europe remain largely restricted to Western Europe, particularly France. India’s recent outreach towards Nordic and CEE regions in many ways indicates its intentions to increase engagement beyond traditional power centres in Europe and presents an opportunity. In the aftermath of the Ukraine war, many in Central and Eastern Europe, with their particular sensitivity to the Russia threat, have doubled down on their defence budgets. Further, companies in the region, like the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia etc. have experience and capacity in producing as well as maintaining and overhauling Soviet-era equipment. This panel seeks to explore the defence industrial and technological capabilities of Central and Eastern Europe and potential avenues for cooperation between India and the region.

Speakers

Dr. Swasti Rao

Patryk Kugiel

Lt Gen Sanjay Verma

Lt Gen D S Hooda