EU-India Leaders’ Meeting resulted in a sustainable and comprehensive Connectivity Partnership and a strengthened Strategic Partnership between the two partners
The European Union (E.U.) and India have announced to strengthen their partnership and deepen bilateral cooperation with a focus on upholding the rules-based global order, supporting economic recovery, fighting climate change and charting the digital transition.
The announcement was made during the visit of President of European Commission – Ursula von der Leyen to India, where she met the Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi. The visit marked the 60th anniversary of E.U.-India relations.
The two leaders agreed to establish a Joint Trade and Technology Council to tackle key trade, economic and technology challenges, and advance cooperation in these areas. The Joint Trade and Technology Council will provide the political steer and the necessary structure to operationalise political decisions, coordinate technical work, and report to the political level to ensure implementation and follow-up in areas that are important for the sustainable progress of European and Indian economies. The decision to set up a Trade and Technology Council will be the first for India with any of its partners and second for the European Union following the first one it has set up with the United States (U.S.).
Ursula and Modi also agreed to resume negotiations for an E.U.-India Free Trade Agreement and to start talks on an Investment Protection Agreement as well as on an Agreement on Geographical Indications. The first round of negotiations will take place in June 2022.
Speaking on the occasion, Ursula said, “Today, we are taking steps to deepen our strategic ties with India – on trade, trusted-technology and security, notably in respect of challenges posed by rival governance models. This will help us diversify and secure our supply chains, boost economic opportunities for our businesses, and bring significant benefits to our citizens.”
India is a key strategic partner for the E.U. The EU is India’s third largest trading partner and second largest export destination. It is also one of the largest investors in India.
Taking it to twitter, Ursula tweeted,
The EU is India’s 3rd most important trade partner.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 25, 2022
Our bolstered cooperation will bring new technologies, new investment – and opportunities for our citizens.
We are the two largest democracies in the world, and together we have a lot to gain.
→ https://t.co/u1fTYDlf4P pic.twitter.com/ZLKA9U6iAd
Talking about collaboration in digital field, she tweeted,
We both recognise the advantage of global standards for technologies like 5G, instead of separate national solutions.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 25, 2022
And we share many of the same values when it comes to the digital world; privacy should be guaranteed online and offline. pic.twitter.com/eqz5iXdC19
The EU’s Global Gateway Strategy will allow cooperation and investments in secure and sustainable infrastructure in India and E.U. Given their size, commitment to clean environment and energy needs, India and E.U. are key in the transition to a more sustainable and green future. Ursula also visited the headquarters of International Solar Alliance, one of India’s flagship initiatives to fight the climate change and met with CEOs from Indian and European energy companies.
Ursula tweeted,
The world's need for massive investment is high our new agenda for the 21st century.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 25, 2022
But investments should never come at the expense of a country’s independence.⁰
This is why we have #GlobalGateway.
It is Europe’s vision for investment in sustainable global infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/WNDCSiiMZO
She also visited The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), a research institute specialising in the fields of energy, environment and sustainable development, where she met young students and climate. She also went to the TERI-Deakin Nano-Biotechnology Centre and met Indian women leaders and entrepreneurs.
Referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, she said that the outcome of war will not only determine the future of Europe but also deeply affect the Indo-Pacific region and the rest of the world. For the Indo-Pacific it is as important as for Europe that borders are respected.
