New Delhi: Ahead of the first Ministerial Meeting between India and the European Union due for May 16, both sides reviewed the progress and scope of the newly launched India – EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) during the fourth strategic partnership review meeting. Both the partners are looking forward to a successful first Ministerial Meeting under the TTC mechanism.
While the Indian side was led by Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), the EU side was led by Helena König, Deputy Secretary General for Economic and Global Issues, European External Action Service. Both sides reviewed the ‘India-EU Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025’ that was agreed upon during the 15th India – EU Summit in 2020.
India and the EU went through an extensive review of their successful bilateral relationship in the context of the meetings organised by India under its G20 Presidency. The discussions focussed on a broad range of topics covering climate, clean energy, biodiversity, circular economy, smart urbanisation, trade, research & innovation, education, mobility, and digital issues, including data protection.
Both sides also discussed cooperation in the sphere of Connectivity and emphasized that connectivity projects respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of either sides. They also took stock of the ongoing negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement, Investment Protection Agreement, and Agreement on Geographical Indications and agreed on their importance as well as the need for full cooperation at the multilateral level and regular bilateral dialogue on economic issues.
The EU and India talked about the perspectives for a safer, prosperous, and more democratic world. They commented the resumption of 2021 of the EU-India Human Rights Dialogue and committed to holding it on an annual basis.
They also underscored the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine through the United Nations Charter and international law. Both sides emphasized that the rules-based international order must respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, transparency, and peaceful resolution of disputes. They unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border attacks.
Both sides expressed their commitment to their increased engagement across all areas to identify areas to strengthen cooperation, including through the Global Gateway, and looking into priorities for the next India-EU Summit.
