EU leaders’ discussions with Modi to herald a new chapter in India-EU relations, says Jaishankar
The recent discussions between the leaders of the European Union and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been hailed as a significant step towards strengthening the ties between India and the EU. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, was described by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as a “new chapter” in the relationship between the two entities.
The Indian Prime Minister, who has been on a diplomatic tour of Asia, met with the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, and the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker. The discussions were focused on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and security.
In his statement after the meeting, Foreign Minister Jaishankar highlighted the shared values and interests of India and the EU, saying that the leaders had “identified the broad parameters of the relationship” and agreed to work towards a “more ambitious and strategic partnership.” He also expressed confidence that the discussions would pave the way for a “new chapter” in the relationship between the two sides.
The EU, which is India’s largest trading partner, has been a key partner in the country’s economic growth. The two sides have been working towards a free trade agreement since 2007, and the recent discussions have brought new hope for its conclusion. With the global economic landscape undergoing rapid changes, it is imperative for India and the EU to strengthen their economic ties and work towards a more mutually beneficial partnership.
Apart from trade and investment, the discussions also focused on enhancing cooperation in areas such as climate change, counter-terrorism, and regional security. India and the EU have been working closely on issues of global importance and have been strong advocates for multilateralism and a rules-based international order. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together towards a more peaceful and stable world.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both sides to address some of the challenges that have been hindering the progress of the relationship. One such challenge is the issue of data protection, which has been a cause of concern for the EU. The Indian government has assured the EU that it is committed to addressing these concerns and will work towards finding a mutually acceptable solution.
The discussions between the EU leaders and Prime Minister Modi also served as a platform to discuss the upcoming G20 summit, which will be hosted by India in 2022. The leaders expressed their support for India’s role as the host and its commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The meeting between the EU leaders and Prime Minister Modi has been hailed as a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between India and the EU. The discussions have laid the foundation for a more ambitious and strategic partnership, which will not only benefit both sides but also have a positive impact on global affairs.
The EU has been a strong supporter of India’s growth story, and the country has emerged as a key player in the global economy. With the EU facing challenges such as Brexit and growing protectionism, a strong partnership with India will provide a much-needed boost to the bloc’s economy. On the other hand, India stands to benefit from the EU’s advanced technology, expertise, and investment opportunities.
In conclusion, the discussions between the EU leaders and Prime Minister Modi have set the stage for a new chapter in the relationship between India and the EU. The leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in various areas and have expressed their confidence that this partnership will be mutually beneficial. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, a strong India-EU partnership is crucial for promoting peace, stability, and economic growth.
