The European Union (EU) has unveiled a new “EU strategic program in India” to raise bilateral relations between trade, technology, defense, connectivity and climate action, Indian Express reported.
The announcement comes when India continues a meticulous commitment to the United States under President Donald Trump in the midst of pricing tensions, positioning Europe as a parallel pillar in the global awareness of New Delhi.
Strengthen
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, described the initiative as a step towards a stronger and stronger partnership.
“It is now time to double the partnerships anchored in interests shared and guided by common values. With our new EU-India strategy, we put our relationship to the next level,” she said.
The strategy, announced by Von der Leyen and the high EU representative, Kaja Kallas, describes an ambitious roadmap, of the acceleration of the free trade agreement (ALE) to increasing cooperation in defense and emerging technologies.
Trade and economic orientation
Von der Leyen confirmed that the EU worked to conclude a complete ALE with India by the end of the year.
“The free trade agreement with India will be the largest agreement of its kind all over the world,” she said, noting that Europe is already the largest trading partner in India and is ready to invest in the common future.
The joint communication adopted by the European Commission highlights unexploited potential in trade and investments, offering strengthened supply chains, a more in-depth commitment to digital technologies and a possible EU-India start-up partnership. He also encourages the Indian association with Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation program.
Safety and defense dimensions
The document marks a significant change in security links, offering an official EU-India EU security and defense partnership. This includes maritime cooperation, cyber defense, crisis management, the fight against terrorism and industrial collaboration to strengthen defense production.
An information security agreement is provided to allow the exchange of classified data.
Closer coordination in Indo-Pacific joint initiatives against hybrid threats and a more in-depth commitment to the war in Ukraine are also in good place on the agenda.
Connectivity and global governance
The EU has focused on regional connectivity projects, including the Eastern Economic Corridor India (IMEC), in addition to its Global Gateway initiative.
The agenda is also looking for increased cooperation in multilateral forums, closer alignment to international law and expanded trilateral commitments with third countries.
The mobility and links of people to people have been particularly highlighted, with proposals for a complete framework on study, work and research opportunities, supported by the creation of an EU-Indian commercial forum and a European legal gateway office.
Balance opportunities and differences
The high diplomat of the Kaja Kallas has recognized that even if the opportunities are vast, differences remain – in particular the energy and the defense of India with Russia.
“India’s participation in Russian military exercises and its purchase of Russian oil behaves narrower,” she noted.
However, Kallas underlined the EU’s desire to strengthen the partnership: “India is one of the most important actors in the world today and a natural partner for the European Union. Improving our collaboration will benefit the safety and prosperity of citizens and businesses on both sides. ”
Leaders exchange greetings and commitments
On the day of launching the initiative, Von Der Leyen extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi via X (formerly Twitter).
“Together, we will open a new chapter in our partnership,” she wrote, also referring to discussions on the trade and support of Ukraine.
Modi replied by welcoming the new strategy: “India is ready to pass the India-EU relationship to the next level. It is our shared commitment, our common goal and our shared responsibility. ”
He reiterated India’s position on the search for “early and peaceful resolution” to the Ukrainian conflict.
The Prime Minister’s office confirmed that Modi had invited EU leaders for the next India-UE summit in India next year, which condemned him as an opportunity to consolidate the agenda.
The upcoming road
The latest EU initiative follows the collective visit of its college of commissioners in India earlier this year.
With a several -part objective – from defense and trade to climate action and civil society engagement – the strategy reflects the growing recognition of Europe of the world role of India in the midst of changing geopolitical currents.
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