Estonia Eyes Strategic Tech Alliance with India, Offers Cybersecurity and Robotics Expertise
Estonia is actively pursuing deeper strategic cooperation with India in key technology sectors, including robotics, cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and artificial intelligence (AI). With its longstanding experience countering Russian cyberattacks and its advanced e-governance infrastructure, Estonia is positioning itself as a valuable tech partner for New Delhi.
Kaimo Kuusk, Permanent Secretary at Estonia’s Ministry of Defence, highlighted shared democratic values as the foundation for the growing relationship. “Countries that adhere to international law, reject terrorism, and value democratic institutions should cooperate more,” he said during an engagement with Indian media.
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Estonian Robotics Firms Target Indian Military Market
One of the focal points of collaboration is unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). Estonia's Milrem Robotics has developed THeMIS, a multi-role defense platform already deployed in Ukraine. The Indian Army, which saw the platform during Defence Expo 2022, is reportedly showing growing interest.
Milrem is exploring local manufacturing partnerships in India, citing the country's large defense market. The company is also developing heavier UGVs (up to 20 tonnes) for mechanized and armored formations, tailored to India’s military requirements.
Other Estonian robotics companies, such as 5.0 Robotics, are also eyeing India with solutions for field-based manufacturing and repairs.
Cybersecurity Collaboration Deepens Amid Rising Digital Threats
Estonia, home to NATO’s Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, is also enhancing cybersecurity collaboration with India. In 2023, India's National Security Council and Rashtriya Raksha University partnered with Estonian firm CybExer to simulate large-scale cyberattacks on Indian systems, involving over 1,500 teams.
Vice-Minister Minna-Liina Lind emphasized the bilateral momentum following a meeting between Estonian President Alar Karis and Prime Minister Modi at the AI Summit in Paris. New agreements in cyber and defense domains have been signed in the past year, with further dialogues ongoing.
With shared strategic priorities, Estonia views India as a crucial partner in advancing secure and innovative digital infrastructure and defense technologies.
