Foreign Minister S Jaishankar underlines that stronger India-EU relations will reduce risks to the global economy by cooperating on resilient supply chains and stabilize the global order through strengthened partnerships on trade, mobility and security.
Addressing ambassadors of European Union member countries on Thursday, Jaishankar describe volatility and instability as the new normal in international affairs.
The Minister of External Affairs describe how deeper cooperation would reassure the international community by providing public goods, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-piracy operations and development projects.
The discussions took place ahead of the 16th India-EU summit scheduled for January 27, where European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will co-chair the discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The two EU leaders will be the chief guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, marking the first time that EU leaders will attend the parade in this capacity.
The next summit is expected significant results, including the announcement of the conclusion of a free trade agreement and a new security and defense partnership covering maritime security, cybersecurity and the fight against terrorism.
India and the EU too plans to conclude agreements on a comprehensive mobility framework to facilitate the movement of students, seasonal workers, researchers and highly qualified professionals, alongside an agreement on information security.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas told the European Parliament that the summit would adopt a new comprehensive strategic agenda for 2030, paving the way for deeper engagement in trade, security, technology and mobility.
The proposed Security and Defense Partnership will facilitate deeper cooperation between the two sides, with the opportunity for Indian companies to participate in the EU’s $200 billion SAFE program designed to accelerate defense preparedness.
An India-EU business forum is expected to be organized on the sidelines of the summit, with both sides seeing the engagement as crucial to navigating an increasingly fragmented global landscape shaped by ongoing conflicts and economic disruption.
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