With the view to strengthening India and European Union ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission – Ursula von der Leyen agreed to launch the India-EU Trade and Technology Council at their meeting held on Monday, i.e 25th April 2022 in New Delhi.
The strategic coordination will allow both the countries to tackle challenges and thus deepen cooperation in the above-mentioned fields. It is pertinent to mention that this is the first time for India to set up such a trade and technology council with any of its partners. On the other hand, the EU, is only the second such body, following the first one set up with the U.S.
EU President Ursula von der Leyen, in a Twitter post, stated, “The EU is India’s 3rd most important trade partner and one of its main investors. And we can do so much more.”
Trade and Technology Council
In view of the rapid changes in the geopolitical environment, there is a need felt by both countries for joint in-depth strategic engagements. India-EU Trade and Technology Council will facilitate the necessary structure to operationalise political decisions, coordinate technical work, and report to the political level to ensure implementation and follow-up in areas that are essential for the sustainable progress of India and European economies. According to the official press release, this council will serve as a key step toward strengthening strategic partnerships for the benefit of all people in both countries.
The two sides, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, expressed confidence that the “shared values and common interests of the EU and India offer a strong basis to intensify mutually beneficial and deeper strategic cooperation”.
EAM Dr S Jaishankar calls on EU President
Today, i.e 25th April 2022, the External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar called on EU President Ursula von der Leyen. The meeting held between two leaders was directed toward further establishing India and EU partnership. The two leaders exchanged views on the economic and political implications of the Ukraine conflict.
In a Twitter post, EAM Dr S Jaishankar wrote, “Discussed taking forward the #IndiaEU partnership. Also exchanged views on the economic and political implications of the Ukraine conflict.”
Climate change and biodiversity loss are at the top of the political agenda of the European Union (EU) and India. Highlighting the cooperation on solar energy including through the international solar alliance, EU President stated, “ fight against climate change. We have both embarked on our way to net zero. And solar energy will play a key role in getting there.”
“There is a lot of untapped potential between the European Union and India, we have a lot in common. And joining forces, we can do so much together for the benefit of our people but also for the benefit of our climate and our planet,” EU President further stated.
