Defence-industrial cooperation, not arms purchases, is the new template of India's European partnerships. Critically analyse.

India's defence ties with Europe were long a buyer–seller relationship. They are now moving towards building equipment together. The India–Poland Joint Statement of October 2026 proposed a Defence Industry Dialogue covering B2B links, co-development and co-production [1]. The template is emerging, but it is not yet settled.

Evidence of the new template

• From ministry talks to industry: the India–Poland Joint Working Group on Defence has met eight times. Industry is now being brought in directly through the proposed Dialogue [1].
• EU-level umbrella: the bilateral push is linked to the India–EU Security and Defence Partnership (Jan 2026), cybersecurity and defence innovation [1].
• India as a supplier, not just a buyer: defence exports reached a record ₹23,622 crore in 2024–25, to about 80 countries [3]. This lets India come to the table as a co-producer.
• Technology convergence: joint research on AI, semiconductors and quantum, with space called a key element of the partnership [1].

Limits: why it is not yet the template

• Paperwork before factories: the Classified Information Agreement is still unsigned and the Dialogue is only proposed [1]. Without it, firms cannot legally share secret designs or test data.
• Trust gap over Russia: PM Modi held the 22nd India–Russia Summit in Moscow in July 2024 [4]. Poland, by contrast, sees Russia as its main threat. The Action Plan itself mentions "outstanding issues" in security and defence ties [2].
• Weak delivery record: eight JWG rounds have produced no joint product. Other existing tools have also sat idle; the agriculture working group is only now being revived [1].
• Imports persist: large platform purchases from European suppliers continue. Co-production adds to buying; it does not replace it.

Way forward

• Sign the Classified Information Agreement before the Action Plan 2024–28 ends [2].
• Give the Dialogue a fixed date and named firms, and track progress through the Action Plan's annual political consultation [2].

Overall, the shift from purchases to partnerships is clear in intent but only partial in practice. If the legal gaps are closed and trust is built, European co-production can support Atmanirbhar Bharat and make India a genuine industrial partner rather than just a customer.