The EUROPEAN Council on Monday approved the conclusions on a “new EU-India strategic agenda” announced earlier by the European Commission, welcoming the “strong impetus” it gives to relations between the European Union and India.
The Belgium-based council, which sets the overall policy direction and priorities for the 27-member bloc, highlighted efforts by both sides to conclude an India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of the year.
The Council conclusions endorse the joint communication on the new agenda and its aim to deepen ties between the EU and India in the areas of prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, connectivity and global issues.
“The Council particularly welcomes efforts to conclude a balanced, ambitious, mutually beneficial and economically significant free trade agreement, which the European Commission and the Government of India aim to finalize by the end of the year,” the Council said in a statement.
“Such an agreement must include better market access, the removal of trade barriers and provisions on sustainable development,” he adds.
The European Council noted that closer collaboration between the EU and India on security and defense issues, based on mutual trust and respect, is of particular importance given the current complex geopolitical situation.
“The Council takes note of the intention to continue work towards the establishment of a security and defense partnership, which could also facilitate defense industrial cooperation, where appropriate,” the text states.
He said the EU would continue to engage with India on all aspects of “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.” The Council also underlined the shared capacity and responsibility of the EU and India to uphold multilateralism and the rules-based international order, centered on the United Nations Charter, as well as the multilateral trading system, in particular the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“The promotion and protection of democratic values and norms, international law and human rights, including the rights of women and children, are an integral part of the EU-India strategic agenda,” the statement said.
The Council called on the European Commission to advance the articulation and implementation of the “new EU-India strategic agenda” based on the priorities set out in the joint communication published last month.
The move follows the visit of the College of EU Commissioners to India in February this year, which laid the foundations for a “new chapter in EU-India relations”.
During the visit – the first of its kind in the Indo-Pacific region – the two sides committed to elevating the strategic partnership to a higher level to promote shared prosperity, strengthen security and tackle major global challenges together, according to the joint communication.
(With contribution from agencies)
About The Author
