India and EU agree to launch maritime security dialogue and security and defense consultations
New Delhi:
India and the EU exchanged views on the common challenge of terrorism on Wednesday and Pakistan has been raised in discussions as part of its ongoing activities against India and other countries in the region as well as in the context of global terrorism.
Informing reporters of the meeting, MEA (West) secretary Vikas Swarup said the two sides went into detail exchanging views on the common challenge of terrorism.
“Pakistan has intervened in the context of its activities against India and other countries in the region as well as in the context of global terrorism,” he said.
The joint statement issued after the summit reaffirmed India and the EU’s firm commitment to global peace and security, disarmament and non-proliferation and the fight against terrorism in all its forms and demonstrations, including its funding and its fight against radicalization.
“India and the EU will intensify exchanges and cooperation in this regard,” he said.
The summit was co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and by the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
The two sides agreed to launch a dialogue on maritime security and consultations on security and defense, and to strengthen naval cooperation.
They stressed the need to preserve security and stability in the Indian Ocean.
The statement said they welcome the launch of negotiations on a working agreement between the Central Investigation Office and Europol to help law enforcement authorities in India and EU member states to prevent and combat organized crime and terrorism.
“They confirmed their full support for an open, free, stable and secure cyberspace, and their commitment to foster responsible and responsible behavior by all actors in cyberspace. They stressed the need to increase global cyber resilience, including including the health sector, “the statement said.
The statement said that India and the EU will continue to cooperate on international and regional issues of common interest, including Iran and Afghanistan.
Swarup said there is no set deadline for concluding the bilateral trade and investment agreement (BTIA), but India and the European Union (EU) must move discussions forward .
“The leaders of the two sides affirmed their keen interest and their full commitment to develop the India-EU strategic partnership to new depths. They adopted the roadmap of the strategic partnership until 2025 as a new framework to improve relations in various fields, foreign policy, security, trade and investment, economic collaboration, cooperation for innovative and climate-friendly solutions, digital technologies and connectivity of the broad-based trade and investment agreement. “
Leaders have recognized that post-COVID economic recoveries offer opportunities to unleash the full potential of their economic ties, including a discussion on the supply chain links between India and Europe, said Mr. Swarup.
He also said that the Prime Minister had invited European companies to stimulate FDI in India, taking into account efforts to improve the ease of doing business, the regulatory environment and the objective of integrating India into supply chains.
He said that relations with the EU are active and cover all dynamics and are supported by strong interpersonal relationships.
“The EU is our largest trading partner for goods with trade exceeding USD 100 billion. We also have a significant trade in services of around USD 40 billion. The EU is one of the largest investors in India with a cumulative investment of more than USD 91 billion. The EU is also an important source of technological innovation and best practices, “he said.
Swarup said the summit was held in a very warm atmosphere marked by mutual respect.
“The discussions focused on the common response to the pandemic, the strengthening of the India-EU strategic partnership and its different dimensions as well as our convergences and collaborations on the world stage covering multilateralism, international organizations and contemporary developments”, a he declared.
He also informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciates the EU’s global initiative against coronaviruses to speed up access to COVID-19 tools, vaccines, treatments and diagnostics.
“Recognizing their mutual strengths and synergies, such as our roles in pharmaceuticals and research, the EU and India have agreed to step up cooperation and the response to the coronavirus, including on accessibility and Financial accessibility of COVID-19 tools. President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen greatly appreciated the timely assistance provided by India in terms of the supply of medicines to EU countries. “, did he declare.
“They sought the active engagement of India in the initiative of universal and affordable vaccines for all,” he added.
