The main objective of this paper is to examine India’s strategic partnerships according to their objectives and their role for India. The analysis considers both India’s foreign policy goals, particularly in the Indo-Pacific area in terms of the “Act East” policy after 2011-2012, and the inputs needed to reform the Indian economy. The research highlights the Russian Federation, the USA, France, Israel, but also Germany and the UK among India’s core partners in the development of the Indian defense industry, with Germany playing a key role in economic growth and development as well. Conversely, despite some recent catalysts of the bilateral relationship, the European Union has not managed yet to occupy a central place within India’s strategic partnerships.