New Delhi: India and the European Union today agreed to expedite conclusion of the FTA by the end of the year, hold focused talks on the defence industry, and hold a review meeting with partners on the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor initiative, during talks between PM Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen here.
The Joint Statement said the two leaders also discussed key international and regional issues, including on the situation in the Middle-East and the war in Ukraine.
“They expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on respect for international law, principles of the UN charter and territorial integrity and sovereignty. They also reiterated their commitment to the vision of the two-State solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders, consistent with international law.”
The Leaders agreed on the following concrete steps:
(i) Expedite the conclusion of the FTA by the end of the year.
(ii) Further focused discussions on defence industry and policy to explore opportunities from new initiatives and programmes.
(iii) A review meeting with partners to take stock on the IMEC initiative.
(iv) Engage on maritime domain awareness with a view to promoting shared assessment, coordination and interoperability.
(v) Convene the next meeting of the Trade and Technology Council at an early date to deepen cooperation in semiconductors and other critical technologies.
(vi) Enhance the dialogue on clean and green energy between governments and industry, with a focus on green hydrogen.
(vii) Strengthening collaboration in the Indo-Pacific including through trilateral cooperation projects.
(viii) Strengthen cooperation on Disaster Management through the development of appropriate arrangements including on policy and technical level engagement for preparedness, response capacities and coordination.
Both leaders expressed confidence that this momentous visit will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further expand and deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
They looked forward to the next India EU Summit being organized in India at the earliest mutually convenient time and to the adoption of a new joint Strategic Agenda on that occasion.
They asked their respective negotiating teams to pursue negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial FTA with the aim of concluding them within the course of the year. The leaders asked the officials to work as trusted partners to enhance market access and remove trade barriers.
They also tasked them to advance negotiations on an Agreement on Investment Protection and an Agreement on Geographical Indications.
They directed the India-EU Trade and Technology Council to further deepen engagement to shape outcome-oriented cooperation in areas of economic security and supply chain resilience, market access and barriers to trade, strengthening of semiconductor ecosystems, trustworthy and sustainable Artificial Intelligence, high-performance computing, 6G, Digital Public Infrastructure, joint research and innovation for green and clean energy technologies with a focus on trusted partnerships and industry linkages across these sectors, including the recycling of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), marine plastic litter, and waste to green/renewable hydrogen.
They welcomed the progress in the implementation of MoU on semiconductors; as well as the signing of MoU between Bharat 6G alliance and the EU 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association for creating secured and trusted telecommunications and resilient supply chains.
They welcomed the agreement on holding an India-EU Green Hydrogen Forum and the India-EU Business Summit on Offshore Wind Energy.
They agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties especially in the areas of higher education, research, tourism, culture, sports, and between their youths, and create an enabling environment for enhancing such exchanges.
Also to promote legal, safe and orderly migration in areas of skilled workforce and professionals in view of India’s growing human capital and taking into account EU member states’ demographic profile and labour market needs.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promote a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific built on international law and mutual respect for sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes underpinned by effective regional institutions. India welcomed the EU joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Both sides also committed to explore trilateral co-operation including in Africa and the Indo-Pacific.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction at growing cooperation in the defence and security domain, including joint exercises and collaboration between Indian Navy and EU Maritime security entities.
The EU side welcomed India’s interest in joining the projects under the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) as well as to engage in negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement (SoIA).
The leaders also committed to explore a security and defence partnership. They emphasised the need to deepen collaboration in counter terrorism and to strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and terrorism financing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in posts on X after the talks:
“India and Europe share a strong partnership built on shared values, innovation and sustainability. Our close collaboration is shaping a better future for our planet. Together, we will work towards a prosperous world.
“The sectors our talks covered included trade, technology, innovation, skill development, mobility and more. We also seek to deepen investment linkages. At the same time, our commitment to sustainability remains paramount, reflecting in the discussions around green hydrogen, renewable energy and more.”
The MEA spokesperson said in a post on X:
“Marking a new phase in India-EU relations.
“PM @narendramodi held productive talks with the President of the @EU_Commission @vonderleyen & the EU College of Commissioners today. They set an ambitious agenda for 2025 and beyond.
“Both sides committed to deepening engagement in trade, investment, technology & innovation, clean & green energy, connectivity and people-people ties.”
The European Commission President said in a post on X:
“Dear @narendramodi, thank you so much for hosting us in New Delhi.
“The @EU_Commission’s visit symbolises how much we value our partnership with India.
“And how much I value our personal friendship.”
UNI
