India and Estonia are increasingly focused on strengthening their defense ties, with a particular emphasis on technology sharing and joint production initiatives. This developing partnership leverages Estonia's strengths in IT, cyber security, and digital innovation alongside India's growing defense manufacturing capabilities and its strategic position in Asia.

Estonia, a NATO member, recognizes India's increasing global influence and its commitment to international law and democratic values, making it a key partner in various sectors. Kaimo Kuusk, Estonia's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, emphasized the importance of cooperating with countries that share these values, highlighting the mutual respect for international norms and rejection of violence and terrorism.

Several areas of potential collaboration have been identified, including:

• Cybersecurity: Estonia, home to NATO's Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and numerous cybersecurity firms, offers expertise in mitigating cyberattacks. This is particularly relevant for India, which has experienced an increase in cyber incidents. Initiatives like the partnership between India's National Security Council, Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), and the Estonian company CybExer to build a "cyber range" demonstrate the commitment to enhancing cyber defense capabilities. The inaugural India-Estonia Cyber Dialogue was held on June 17, 2024, in Tallinn.
• Unmanned Systems and Robotics: Estonia has made significant strides in robotics, particularly with unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) that could be valuable to the Indian military. The UGV, THeMIS, showcased in India at the Defence Expo 2022 by Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) in partnership with Milrem, has generated interest within the Indian Army.
• Ammunition and Armored Vehicles: As the conflict in Ukraine highlights the importance of artillery, India and Estonia are exploring potential collaboration in producing 155 mm ammunition, howitzers, and armored vehicles. Estonia's Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur indicated that the procedure for a 155 mm ammunition deal tender would be opened in February 2025, signaling progress in this area.
• Mixed Reality Situational Awareness Systems: Vegvisir, an Estonian company, and MKU Ltd, an Indian defense manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce advanced mixed reality situational awareness systems to India, potentially equipping over 10,000 Indian armored vehicles with cutting-edge technology.
• Joint Production and Market Access: The collaboration aims to utilize the best competencies available in both India and Estonia, creating resilient supply chains and manufacturing efficiencies in India. This agreement also seeks to explore market access to Asian markets through India and to European markets through Estonia.

This deepening defense cooperation aligns with India's "Make in India" initiative, positioning the nation as a defense exporter and a manufacturing hub. By partnering with Estonia, Indian companies can access NATO markets, secure long-term contracts, and strengthen their position in the global defense supply chain. Furthermore, Estonia can benefit from India's vast digital ecosystem, technology expertise, and cybersecurity capabilities.

Both nations recognize the importance of adapting to modern warfare's evolving challenges, including cyber threats and the need for advanced technologies. The partnership between India and Estonia signifies a commitment to strengthening their defense capabilities and fostering innovation in the sector.