India and the European Union (EU) reiterated their commitment to a free maritime order based on rules in Indo-Pacific during their second security and defense consultations, which also focused on the Improved security cooperation.
Consultations took place in New Delhi on Monday in the context of the increasingly assertive actions of China through Indo-Pacific. The EU has taken several measures in recent years to improve its profile in the region and forge a stronger security partnership with India, including the publication of a defense attachment to India at the end of the last year.
During the security and defense consultations, co -chaired by the joint secretary (International Cooperation) Vishvesth Negi of the Ministry of Defense and Joanneke Balfoort, director of the security and defense policy with the European external action service, there was An agreement on the deepening of defense security and cooperation, according to a reading of the EU.
The two parties reiterated their commitment to a free, open, inclusive maritime order based on rules in Indo-Pacific, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, democracy, the ‘Put law and freedom of navigation and overview. They also supported lawful trade and a peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on Sea Law (UNCLOS).
The EU and Indo-Pacific countries have an interest in the prosperity and security of the other, and the European Bloc, with its Indo-Pacific Strategy and its global gateway initiative, aims to contribute to stability, to the Security, prosperity and sustainable development in the region, says reading.
The EU also aims to promote democracy, the rule of law, human rights and international law as a “intelligent facilitator” for peace and security in non -traditional security fields, while acting In partnership “with the other players in the region – mainly India”, reading added.
Security cooperation between the EU and India in recent years has entered into the fight against terrorism and cyber and maritime security. The EU also believes that Indo-Pacific, and the Indian Ocean in particular, are key areas where such cooperation can be improved.
On Monday, the EU delegation in India also organized a seminar on the theme of “the security environment in the Indo-Pacific Region and the role of the EU as a security actor in partnership / cooperation with India ”, before the second edition of Schuman Security security and the defense forum to be held in Brussels from May 28 to 29.
The seminar, assisted by security and defense experts, representatives of reflection groups, diplomats, Indian officials and representatives of the EU member states, provided a platform for the exchange of points of view on the challenges of regional security, the maritime security environment and political developments related to the EU strategy. Indo-pacific and Indo-Pacific initiative of India.
During his speech, Balfoort said: “In this interconnected world, mutually beneficial peace, security and defense partnerships are more necessary than ever. We see India, a country with considerable strategic weight on the balance of world security, as a key partner for the EU in Indo-Pacific. »»
EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin said the global environment had become “more volatile and unstable” with war and growing security threats. “The EU adapts to this new reality by improving its own security and defense, but also by working with international partners to meet the common security challenges to promote peace and stability,” he said .
The growth of interconnection between Europe and Indo-Pacific means “cooperation with Asian partners and, in particular with India, has become more important than ever,” he added.
While the eu has stepped up cooperation with India In Maritime Security, Counter-Terrorism, Cyber-Security, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, Delphin Listed Other Areas Such As Space, Hybrid and Cyber Threats and the Security Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence AS Possible cooperation.
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