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EU-India Breakthrough: New Strategic Agenda Amid Global Challenges

The European Union Council has given its approval to a new strategic agenda with India. This comprehensive framework covers multiple areas including security, trade, and global cooperation. Both sides are working toward finalizing a free trade agreement by the end of this year. The partnership emphasizes mutual commitment to democratic values and rules-based international order.

Key Points: EU Council Approves New Strategic Agenda with India

  • Council endorses joint communication for strengthened EU-India prosperity and sustainability
  • Security and defence partnership to facilitate industrial cooperation when appropriate
  • Both sides aim to finalize free trade agreement by year-end
  • EU and India commit to safeguarding multilateralism and UN Charter principles
2 min read

EU Council approves conclusions on new strategic EU-India agenda

EU Council endorses comprehensive strategic agenda with India covering trade, security, and global cooperation. Free trade agreement targeted by year-end.

"News from Brussels coming with the Diwali spirit! EU 27 Member States unanimous in support of a new EU-India ambitious and comprehensive strategic agenda - Herve Delphin, EU Ambassador to India"

Brussels, Oct 20

The European Union Council approved conclusions on a new strategic EU-India agenda, in which it welcomes the strong impetus in relations between the two sides. The Council welcomed closer cooperation between India and the EU on security and defence matters based on the principles of mutual trust and respect.

The conclusions endorse the Joint Communication on a "New Strategic EU-India Agenda" by the High Representative and the European Commission, and its objective of strengthening ties between India and the EU, including prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, and connectivity and global issues, according to the Council of the EU press release.

"The Council takes note of the intention to pursue work towards the establishment of a Security and Defence Partnership, which could also facilitate defence industrial cooperation when appropriate. The Council will continue to engage with India on all aspects of Russia’s war of aggression against the Ukraine," the press release stated.

The Council emphasised the joint capacity and responsibility of the EU and India to safeguard multilateralism and the rules-based international order with the UN Charter at its core and the multilateral trading system, in particular the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

According to the press release, the Council welcomed the efforts to conclude a "balanced, ambitious, mutually beneficial and economically meaningful free trade agreement," which India and EU aim to finalise by the end of the year.

The promotion and protection of democratic values and norms, international law and human rights, including the rights of women and children, form an integral part of the EU-India strategic agenda.

EU's Ambassador to India Herve Delphin welcomed the EU Council's approval of India-EU agenda. He made the statement on X in response to the EU's announcement.

In a statement shared on X, Delphin stated, "News from Brussels coming with the Diwali spirit! EU 27 Member States unanimous in support of a new EU-India ambitious and comprehensive strategic agenda for the years to come. Next step: EU and India to agree on a joint roadmap for early next year’s 🇮🇳🇪🇺Summit in Delhi."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some positive diplomatic developments! The defence cooperation part is crucial for India's security interests. We need more such strategic partnerships to counter regional threats.
A
Arjun K
While I welcome this partnership, I hope India maintains its strategic autonomy and doesn't get pressured on the Russia-Ukraine issue. Our foreign policy should serve our national interests first.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the tech sector, I'm excited about the technology and innovation cooperation mentioned. European partnerships could really help Indian startups scale globally.
V
Vikram M
The free trade agreement has been pending for too long. If finalized by year-end, it could be a game-changer for Indian exports. Let's hope our negotiators get a fair deal that benefits our farmers and industries.
K
Kavya N
Good to see India strengthening ties with Europe. This partnership can help balance our relationships with other global powers. The focus on sustainability and global issues is much needed in today's world.

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