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India and EU Forge Stronger Strategic Partnership in Key Talks

India and the European Union held strategic partnership talks in New Delhi, with Secretary Sibi George meeting EU Special Envoy Maria Castillo Fernandez. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has previously met European Parliament leaders to push for early ratification of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The landmark FTA, finalized in January during the 16th India-EU Summit, was hailed as a historic milestone by Prime Minister Modi and EU Commission President von der Leyen. The partnership is based on shared values of democracy, rule of law, and multilateralism, covering trade, climate, technology, and connectivity.

Key Points: India-EU Strategic Partnership Talks Strengthen

  • India-EU strategic partnership talks held in New Delhi
  • Sibi George meets EU Envoy Maria Castillo Fernandez
  • Focus on early FTA ratification
  • PM Modi, von der Leyen hailed deal as "mother of all deals"
  • Growing convergence in trade, climate, digital sectors
2 min read

India, EU discuss strengthening strategic partnership

India and EU deepen strategic partnership as Secretary Sibi George meets EU Envoy. Key discussions on FTA ratification and growing bilateral ties.

"We agreed on the need to continue the positive momentum in our ties and early ratification of India-EU FTA - S Jaishankar"

New Delhi, May 6

Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George held a meeting with European Union's Special Envoy for Indo-Pacific Maria Castillo Fernandez in New Delhi on Wednesday, with discussions focused on deepening strategic partnership between the two sides.

"Secretary (West) Sibi George received EU Special Envoy for Indo-Pacific Ms. Maria Castillo Fernandez and held discussions on deepening India-EU Strategic Partnership," the MEA posted on X.

Last month, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar had met European People's Party President and member of European Parliament, Manfred Weber in Delhi.

During the meeting, the two leaders had agreed on the need to continue the positive momentum in India-EU ties and early ratification of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

"Pleased to meet with European People's Party President Manfred Weber, Member of European Parliament today in Delhi. We agreed on the need to continue the positive momentum in our ties and early ratification of India-EU FTA," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

Earlier this year, India's trade negotiations with the EU culminated in a landmark FTA. The negotiations for the India-EU FTA wrapped up on January 27 during the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and others hailed it as a historic milestone and "mother of all deals."

In March, EAM Jaishankar met visiting members of the European Parliament led by Angelika Niebler in New Delhi, discussing the new chapter in India-EU ties and the growing convergence between both sides.

"Pleased to interact with Members of European Parliament, led by Angelika Niebler, here in Delhi. Discussed the new chapter in India-EU ties, and the growing convergence between us. As the agenda of cooperation expands, so too will be the levels of comfort. Confident that the European Parliament will be a pillar of support in this new era," Jaishankar posted on X.

The ties between India and the European Union is based on shared values and principles such as democracy, rule of law, rules based international order and multilateralism, according to MEA statement. The India-EU ties are multifaceted and cover several sectors, including trade, investment, climate change, science and technology, digital, connectivity and agriculture.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
The 'mother of all deals' sounds great on paper but I worry about the timeline. EU bureaucracy is notoriously slow. Hope our diplomats keep the pressure on for quick ratification. Also, let's not forget that Europe needs us as much as we need them, especially post-Ukraine. 🕊️
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Vikram M
Finally some good diplomatic news amidst all the global chaos. The convergence on shared democratic values is crucial. But I hope the tech and climate cooperation goes beyond just documents—we need real technology transfer, not just promises. 🤞
R
Rohit L
The EU keeps talking about 'rules-based order' but where were those rules when it came to their own double standards on certain issues? Still, this is a step forward. Let's see if the FTA actually benefits the common Indian or just the big corporates.
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Priya S
As someone who works in trade, this is exciting! The India-EU FTA could be a game-changer for our exports in textiles, IT services, and pharma. But we need to address EU's stringent non-tariff barriers and carbon border tax. Let's hope both sides show flexibility. 🌏
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Nikhil C
Good diplomacy by our MEA team. But honestly, I'm tired of these 'historic' announcements every few years. Implementation is key. The EU has dragged its feet on FTAs with India before. Let's see concrete action this time, not just photo ops.

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