Expanding Strategic Partnerships in Europe: The Case of India-Sweden Defence Collaboration

Abstract

Strategic partnerships of India with Western countries, particularly in Europe, have unlocked new trails for defence collaborations, weapon systems acquisition, and access to advanced defence technologies. These partnerships have strengthened India’s bilateral defence relations by building stronger military ties and establishing reliable partners for the supply of critical military hardware. Strategic partners like France and the United Kingdom have contributed to building India’s defence industrial base and have been India’s key suppliers in the European defence market. Furthermore, India’s defence needs relating to technology transfer, co-development and co-production in various military sectors have relied on partnerships and joint ventures with Russia, the United Kingdom and France. However, in the post-Cold war era the strategic shift in military power and states advocacy for multilateralism have driven states to consider alternative choices in the global defence market. This study explores India’s options in Europe to expand its strategic partnerships using the case of India-Sweden defence collaboration. Moreover, it also seeks to first deconstruct the concept of ‘Strategic Partnership’, especially at a time when the concept is evolving to include diverse sectors like cyber security, climate change, research and innovation. Second, it explores India’s relations with Sweden in various aspects of a strategic partnership. This study contends that the expansion of strategic partnerships in Europe with countries like Sweden, which is known for innovation and green technology, would benefit India not only in the areas of technology, research and innovation but will also foster India’s growing defence needs in combat aviation and naval defence projects.