CSDR-KAS Webinar 3 'India and CEE: New Horizons in Defence Industrial Cooperation'

BACKGROUND

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.

Against this backdrop, this webinar will explore the following leading questions/discussion points:

Many countries in Central and Eastern Europe have been on the forefront of Europe’s war effort to sustain Ukraine’s defence. What have been the positive or negative impacts of the war on the region’s defence industry?

Does improving India-US ties in defence favour India’s ties with CEE as a geopolitical partner considering the region still prefers to take its cues on security and strategy from Washington?

What areas within India’s defence sector offer opportunities for CEE defence companies?
What are some recurring or persistent obstacles obstructing cooperation?

KEY TAKE-AWAYS
 

• India and Eastern European countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic were closely tied before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Their ties were built on defense industry cooperation and were highlighted by the sales of military equipment, such as the Tatra trucks in the 80s and 90s. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, relations deteriorated.
• Recent events, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict and the emphasis on Indian self-reliance, have caused ageopolitical shift away from conventional supply chains. This transformation prompted countries previously reliant on Russian and Israeli military equipment to seek alternative options. India’s military cooperation with Europe has grown since the Ukrainian invasion.
• ​​​​​​Indian and CEE cooperation has significant potential due to recent emphasis in military spendings. Improvements in their military complexes through technological enhancements and recent voids left by import diversification have drawn the possibility for increased partnerships. India’s recent geopolitical consideration of the region through diplomatic visits has highlighted its willingness to cooperate.
• However, various obstacles, such as the lack of an institutional cooperation framework and the Central European conventional and non-high tech equipment inventory can damage further partnerships.