Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China’s assertive turn in the Indo-Pacific, and, more recently, the U.S.’ weaponisation of international trade have compelled the EU to enhance its strategic autonomy. India too—facing violent border clashes with China in 2020 and a hardening U.S. stance on tariffs—is being reminded of the significance of its strategic autonomy.
The aspiration for a more diversified and, hence, autonomous foreign policy is what drives the rapprochement between Europe and India. Crucially, their collaboration benefits from a deep history of cooperation rooted in the pursuit of strategic autonomy. Space provides one such domain where cooperation between Europe and India, particularly in sensitive areas like technology transfer, dates back to the 1960s. France and Germany stand out for their historic space ties with India, relationships that can serve as a source of mutual trust and inspire future cooperation.