Are you a young graduate interested in international relations? Are you curious to learn more about work of a diplomatic mission and how the EU Delegation represents EU interests and values in India?

We offer:

A traineeshipof up to 6 months in 2026 within the Political Section of the EU Delegation to India,. The tentative start date is 01 October 2026.

The Military Adviser (MILAD)/ Defence Attaché (DA) and the Political Section are respectively responsible for advising the Ambassador on security, defence and political developments in India and on domestic and foreign policy issues affecting EU-India relations. They also report to Brussels on Indian security and defence, foreign policy and internal developments and presents EU views on international issues to the Indian governmental agencies. They also ensure the coordination of the EU 27 Member States on the very same issues.

Main tasks: 

• Support the MILAD/ DA and the Political Section in monitoring, analysing, and reporting on developments in India’s security and defence sector (policy, military modernization, maritime security, strategic doctrines, etc.).
• Draft analytical briefs, background notes, meeting minutes, and situation reports on topics related to EU-India defence and security cooperation.
• Conduct targeted research on themes as required (eg., such as CSDP implementation, Indo-Pacific strategy, maritime domain awareness, joint exercises, and defence-industrial cooperation.
• Assist in preparing briefing material, talking points, and dossiers for meetings with Indian authorities, foreign Defence Attachés, think tanks, and other stakeholders.
• Support the organization of defence-related events, workshops, dialogues, and visits (including PSC visits, maritime security meetings, or EU-India security consultations).
• Ensure proper handling of sensitive information, respecting EU security rules and internal protocols.
• Liaise, when instructed, with the various sections of EU Delegation, the Administration, and other EU Member State Defence Representatives to support coordination and information-sharing.
• Provide administrative, secretarial and logistical support to the MILAD/ DA and the Political section when required (calendar updates, agenda preparation, document filing, meeting arrangements, list of participants, etc.).

We look for:

Qualifications or special requirements:

• Taking into account the local health and security conditions, only applicants holding Indian citizenship will be considered.
• Graduate in one of the following: Defence and Security, Politics, International relations, Political science and studies, Asia or South Asia studies, European Studies. 
• Keen interest in working with an Embassy's analysis sector. 
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English.
• Ability to research and cross check information, display of analytical and critical sense. 
• Knowledge of EU institutions/South Asia/EU-India relations is an asset.
• Defence and Security experience is a major plus
• Diplomatic experience is a plus
• Candidates must have less than one year of professional experience after their graduation by the signing of the Traineeship agreement. (other traineeships or student jobs or volunteering works carried out during university or after graduation are not considered as professional experience)

How to apply?

Candidates must apply to the e-mail address: 

delegation-india-interns@eeas.europa.eu

and send the following documents:

• A detailed standard Europass curriculum vitae (CV) https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/ (CVs in other format will not be considered)
• a cover letter describing why you want to participate in a EU traineeship
• and an application form /media/146647

Please mention in the subject of your e-mail: Funded Traineeship - Political-Defence

Important information to read before applying

Before applying you are requested to examine the dedicated website as well as the general eligibility criteria for a paid traineeship (Article 8 of the Decision ADMIN(2017)28 – Paid traineeship).

Each selected trainee will receive a monthly grant to cover living expenses. All costs related to travels, visa, insurance, accommodation must be borne by the trainee. 

Applications from non-eligible candidates will not be considered. After the evaluation of all applications, shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for an interview. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by email. In case the selected candidates are not able to present the required documents, their application will be rejected.

The traineeships can only be offered in compliance with the local legislation.