As the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that the European Union (EU) and India explored a “security and defense partnership”, she and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their satisfaction with increasing cooperation in the field of defense and security, including joint exercises and collaboration between Indian Navy and Indian Maritime Security entities.
According to the declaration of leaders, “the European party welcomed the interest of India to join the projects under the permanent structured cooperation of the EU as well as to engage in negotiations for an information security agreement. The leaders also undertook to explore a security and defense partnership. ”
“They reiterated their commitment to international peace and security, including maritime security by attacking traditional and non -traditional threats to protect trade and communication routes. They underlined the need to deepen collaboration in counter-terrorism and to strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism, in particular cross-border terrorism and the financing of terrorism in a complete and sustained manner, “said the press release.
Modi and Von Der Leyen also discussed key international and regional issues, in particular “the situation in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine”, according to the press release.
On the Ukraine War, the leaders expressed “support for just and sustainable peace” “based on respect for international law, the principles of the United Nations Charter and territorial integrity and sovereignty,” the statement said. This is important: this occurs while the United States and Russia are in direct talks to end the war in Ukraine. On Friday, American president Donald Trump met his counterpart Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and told him that kyiv had to accept “compromise” for a peace agreement with Moscow.
Modi and Von Der Leyen “also” reiterated their commitment to the vision of the two -state solution with Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders, in accordance with international law, “said the press release.
Earlier, speaking during an event organized by the EU mission in the World Magazine in Delhi and India, Von Der Leyen said: “India is a friend sharing the same ideas. We are the two biggest democracies in the world. And under your direction, Prime Minister, he flourished. We are linked by shared convictions and values. Resilient supply chains to our common interest in a free and open Indo-Pacific, we work together. Today’s exchanges will define the path of the future of our relationship. We have agreed to work on a new strategic program. »»
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The EU chief’s remark takes on a meaning following Chinese assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region.
By examining “deeper cooperation” in “Defense and security”, she said: “For Europe, India is a pillar of certainty in an increasingly uncertain world. We know that authoritarian states become more daring, ignoring borders and threatening peace at sea. It is now time to intensify our cooperation in terms of security and defense on land, sea and space. »»
“In defense, we see avenues for cooperation. India seeks to diversify its military supply and its access to new capacities, just like Europe. India and the European Union can be partners on this subject, “she said.
The president of the European Commission also underlined the need for cooperation in terms of cybersecurity and maritime security.
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“Cybersecurity has never been so crucial … because threats are evolving, becoming more sophisticated day by day. Maritime security is just as essential. The Indian Ocean is a rescue buoy for world trade. Make sure that his security is vital, not only for India but for the whole world. We should also explore the expansion of our joint naval exercises, based on our very successful operations in the Gulf of Guinea and the Red Sea, “she said.
The joint declaration said that the two leaders expressed “the confidence that this capital visit will mark the start of a new chapter in the history of relations and has reaffirmed their commitment to extend and deepen the India-EU strategic partnership”. “They were impatiently waiting for the next Summit of India to the EU was organized in India as soon as possible a convenient time and the adoption of a new joint strategic program on this occasion,” he said.
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