NewKerala.com

Key Points

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor recently met with MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George to discuss strengthening India's relationship with Europe. The two leaders emphasized the importance of bilateral ties amid current global uncertainties. India and the European Union have maintained diplomatic relations since 1962, built on shared democratic values. Their multifaceted cooperation covers areas including trade, climate change, technology, and regular high-level leadership interactions.

Key Points: Shashi Tharoor MEA Secretary West Discuss India Europe Ties

  • Tharoor emphasized strengthening India-Europe ties during global uncertainties
  • India-EU relations date back to 1962 with shared democratic values
  • Bilateral cooperation spans trade, climate, technology and agriculture sectors
  • Regular high-level interactions including PM Modi's meetings with EU leaders
2 min read

Cong MP Tharoor, MEA Secy (West) hold talks on strengthening India-Europe ties

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor meets MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George to strengthen India-Europe relations amid global uncertainties and shared democratic values.

"Spoke about the need to strengthen our relationship with Europe amid all the global uncertainties. - Shashi Tharoor"

New Delhi, October 5

Congress MP for Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor received a courtesy call with Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George.

The two spoke about strengthening ties with Europe.

In a post on X, Tharoor said, "Received a courtesy call from the newly-appointed Secretary (West) in the MEA, Sibi George, fresh from a successful stint in Japan. Spoke about the need to strengthen our relationship with Europe amid all the global uncertainties."

https://x.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1974481184001507638

As per the MEA, the relationship between India and the European Union (EU) is based on shared values and principles such as democracy, rule of law, rules-based international order and multilateralism. The ties are multifaceted and cover a broad spectrum of topics, including trade, investment, climate change, science and technology, digital, connectivity and agriculture.

India-EU bilateral relations date back to the early 1960s, with India being amongst the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the European Economic Community in 1962. The Joint Political Statement signed in 1993, coupled with the Cooperation Agreement signed in 1994, opened the way for strengthening the bilateral ties.

Following the European Parliamentary elections in June 2024, Prime Minister Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen briefly met on the sidelines of the G20 Rio Summit in November 2024. PM spoke telephonically with European Council President Antonio Costa in January 2025. There are regular high-level interactions between the leaders. Prime Minister Modi met the then President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit (Rio de Janeiro, Nov 2024; New Delhi, Sep 2023; Rome, Oct 2021), and on the sidelines of the G-7 meeting (Hiroshima, May 2023; Germany, Jun 2022) and COP28 (Dubai, Dec 2023).

There are regular and frequent interactions at Ministerial / Commissioner-level between India and the EU.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Tharoor ji always brings intellectual depth to foreign policy discussions. His experience as former UN diplomat adds valuable perspective to India-Europe relations.
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the bipartisan approach, I hope such meetings lead to concrete outcomes for Indian students and professionals in Europe. The visa process needs simplification.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in tech, stronger India-EU ties could mean more opportunities in digital innovation and climate tech. Hope they discussed concrete collaboration plans.
V
Vikram M
Europe is our third largest trading partner. Strengthening these ties is essential for Make in India and economic growth. Good to see continuous engagement at all levels.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while such meetings are important, I hope they also address the protectionist tendencies in some European countries that affect Indian exports. The relationship should be mutually beneficial.
A
Ananya R
The historical context mentioned is fascinating - India was among the first to establish ties with EEC in 1962! Shows our long-standing commitment to global partnerships. More power to Indian diplomacy! ✨

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50