The author reveals how perceptions of decision-makers in India and the EU differ significantly on the role of the EU as a foreign and security actor. While European economic and soft power tools are acknowledged India’s strategic community does not perceive the EU as a relevant security actor. Floran Britsch describes how India prefers dealing with single member countries instead of the EU. At the same time, the EU has persistently overlooked India and needs to change its policies accordingly. The main challenge for the EU remains in expanding the current economic focus in the EU-India relationship into a political and security partnership. The EU needs to engage in a strategic dialogue to find a common ground for effective cooperation and a place in India’s foreign policy principle of strategic autonomy, which from a European perspective is often perceived to be an ad hoc and unfocused approach in India’s foreign policy choices and strategic partnerships. The author suggests that European decision-makers need to understand that while the EU and India share common goals and values both entities have different approaches and strategies. The author concludes that it’s time for Brussels to approach New Delhi in a more practical fashion, which extends beyond the articulation of normative principles.