Planets are aligned, and so are Europe and India: EU chief Von der Leyen
New Delhi, Feb 28 :
India and the European Union have directed their teams to conclude a mutually beneficial Bilateral Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after talks with visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen here today.
In his press statement following the talks held at Hyderabad House with the European Commission President and the European College of Commissioners, the PM also said that both sides have agreed to take concrete steps to take forward the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor or ‘IMEEC’.
He termed the visit of the visit of the President of the European Commission and the College of Commissioners to India as unprecedented, adding that it is first such comprehensive engagement of the European Commission in any single country, and also one of the first visits of the new Commission in its latest term.
The PM said the two sides have held nearly 20 ministerial level meetings of different sectors between yesterday and today.
“Sincere and meaningful discussions were held on various regional and global matters. Many important decisions have been taken to elevate and accelerate our partnership.”
He said the two sides have prepared a blueprint for collaboration in the areas of Trade, Technology, Investment, Innovation, Green Growth, Security, Skilling and Mobility. “We have directed our teams to conclude a mutually beneficial Bilateral Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year,” the PM added.
“To strengthen the investment framework, there has also been talk of moving forward on Investment Protection and GI Agreement. In the field of Technology and Innovation, a trusted and secure value chain is our common priority.”
The two sides have agreed on increasing cooperation in semiconductors, AI, high performance computing and 6G, and also decided to initiate a Space Dialogue, PM Modi said.
“We have decided to conduct a Green Hydrogen Forum and Offshore Wind Energy Business Summit. Joint research shall be undertaken on EV Batteries, Marine plastics and Green hydrogen. We shall also take forward our Joint Plan on Sustainable Urban Development,” the PM said.
“Concrete steps will be taken, to take forward the India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor or “IMEEC”. I firmly believe that “IMEEC” shall serve as an engine that drives global commerce, sustainable growth and prosperity in the days to come,” the PM added.
Both sides have also seen growing cooperation on issues related to Defence and Security, and will take forward the cooperation on Cyber Security, Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism.
“Both sides agree on the importance of peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said, and welcomed the EU’s decision to join the “Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative”. Both sides will work together on Triangular Development projects for sustainable and inclusive development in the Indo-Pacific region and Africa.
The two sides have reached a new agreement to increase academia, research and industry partnerships between them, he said, adding “I believe that India’s young talent and Europe’s innovation can together create limitless possibilities”.
India and the EU have decided to create a bold and ambitious roadmap for the India-EU partnership for the period beyond 2025. It will be launched during the next India-EU Summit, the PM said.
He said the visit of the European Commission President to India has imparted new momentum, energy and enthusiasm to the bilateral partnership.
“This journey is the biggest catalyst that will translate our ambition into action.”
“I eagerly look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you back to India for the next India-EU Summit,” PM Modi said.
European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen today said that like the alignment of planets in the solar system, Europe and India are aligned and have decided to work together on enhancing economic growth, on exploring a common tech agenda, and for deeper cooperation in security and defence, as she held talks with PM Narendra Modi here.
In her media statement, the EU chief referred often to PM Modi as “dear Narendra”, signalling the warmth of friendship between the two leaders.
Referring to the rare alignment of seven planets in the solar system, she said this celestial event signals transformation and growth. “It is exactly the moment we find ourselves in. The planets are aligned – and so are Europe and India.”
The EU chief said the fact that she is visiting India with the whole College of Commissioners, on their first visit outside Europe after they took office in December, shows how much the EU values its partnership with India. “We want to take it to new heights. India is a like-minded friend. We are the two largest democracies in the world. And under your leadership, Prime Minister, it has been thriving. We are bound by shared convictions and values. From resilient supply chains to our shared interest in a free and open Indo-Pacific, we are working together.”
Von Der Leyen said the two sides have agreed to work on a new Strategic Agenda, with three main avenues.
The first is economic growth. “The potential is immense. Europe is already India’s biggest trading partner,” she said, and added that the two leaders have tasked their teams to build on the momentum and finalise the Free Trade Agreement before the end of this year. They have also decided to take the Trade and Technology Council to the next level and connect research, innovation and market uptake, which would include building robust and diverse supply chains in the field of semi-conductors.
The second avenue the two sides agreed to explore is a common tech agenda. On clean tech, they will champion the International Solar Alliance and have agreed to launch a Joint Task Force on Green Hydrogen. In the field of digital technologies, she said that Europe and India by working together can shape a future in which AI is a driver of a positive change in their economies and societies. “The European AI Office and India Al Mission have agreed to deepen cooperation… AI should be at the heart of our Strategic Agenda. The next AI Summit hosted by you, Prime Minister, will take us forward. You can count on the European Union that this Summit is going to be a big success,” she added.
She said the two sides are aiming at the interoperability of their two digital public infrastructures, which are the world’s largest and most advanced. “India’s Aadhaar and the EU digital wallet aim to offer public and private services to nearly two billion citizens. Interoperability of our digital identities will strengthen ties between the EU and India even more,” she added.
“We are committed to strengthen cooperation in semiconductor R&D and manufacturing. We are cooperating in the future of secure telecommunication networks. In particular, our industrial associations have agreed to closely cooperate on 6G,” Von der Leyen stated.
Referring to the gap in skilled workers in Europe, she said, “People are essential for Europe’s competitiveness. Yet, we face a gap. India can help to close it. Let us increase student and skilled worker exchanges. Let us share expertise, talent and experience.”
The third avenue she mentioned is for deeper cooperation in security and defence. “For Europe, India is a pillar of certainty in an increasingly uncertain world. We know that authoritarian states are getting bolder, ignoring borders and threatening peace at sea. Now is the time to step up our security and defence cooperation on land, at sea and in space.”
She said their Cyber dialogue offers a platform for effective cooperation and information exchanges. On Maritime security, she said that ensuring the security of the Indian Ocean is vital, and proposed expanding their joint naval exercises, building on the successful operations in the Gulf of Guinea and the Red Sea.
She also proposed deepening cooperation in protecting the undersea cables that ensure data connectivity between India and the European Union.
“On defence, we see avenues for cooperation. India is looking into diversifying its military supply and access to new capabilities, so does Europe. Both India and the European Union can be partners on this topic,” she added.
“India and the EU are together greater than the sum of our parts. Together, we send a powerful and positive signal to the world. The planets are aligned – and so are Europe and India,” the European Commission President said.
