The brief "Securing a Shared Neighbourhood: The European Union and India as Partners for Security in Africa" was recently published by the Swedish Institute of International Affairs (UI), which co-hosts the South Asia Initiative along with SASNET. 

 

Summary

The strategic partnership between the European Union (EU) and India has been reignited in recent years, partly due to geopolitical shifts, such as the rise of China. However, in one area in particular – security cooperation – the EU and India are yet to become true partners. This brief examines the potential for deeper security cooperation on Africa, which is a “shared neighbourhood” of the EU and India. It outlines three broad areas of mutual concern: peace support operations, security on and off the coasts, and cybersecurity. The brief argues that while some factors impede deeper cooperation, there are also several opportunities for close collaboration. The brief makes recommendations in this regard. Capacity building is identified as a potential area for cooperation that would fit the agendas of the EU and India, as well as African partners. Working together at operational level would, in turn, feed into political cooperation and strengthen the wider EU-India strategic partnership. A close dialogue, flexibility and a readiness to shed some inhibitions will be key to progress.

The full report can be found here.