Brussels, 07/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - The free trade agreement towards which the two partners are making progress, will be at the heart of the annual EU/India summit on 10 February in New Delhi. The adoption of a roadmap on security cooperation is also expected.
Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will participate in the 12th annual EU/India summit, together with the president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy and his counterpart at the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso. Enhanced economic cooperation between the two strategic partners (since 2004) through a free trade agreement that has been in negotiations since 2007, will be the focus of the consultations with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Although a definitive agreement was once expected for the beginning of this year, it will now require more time and European and Indian leaders are expected to consolidate, in a political declaration, the progress made since the stepping up of negotiations in the autumn of 2011, in view of their rapid conclusion. The two parties still have to find solutions to the global tariff package, including cars and spirits, services and public procurement. They also need to find common ground on the question of the provisions in the agreement on sustainable development and medicines. In total, the free trade agreement would allow for an asymmetrical cut in customs duties to the tune of 91-92% for EU products and 95% for Indian products.
In the chapter on bilateral economic relations, the summit will also see the adoption of two joint declarations. The one on energy cooperation is part of the joint programme adopted in 2008 on sustainable development and climate change. This will open the way to joint activities in the future in the area of clean coal, energy efficiency, renewable energies, smart networks and nuclear safety. The other declaration will be on cooperation in the field of R&D and innovation.
Security cooperation will be at the heart of the discussions on the political aspects of bilateral relations. European and Indian leaders will be encouraging their services to finalise and implement a roadmap for bilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism, cyber security and counter piracy. They will also adopt a memorandum of understanding on statistical cooperation.
Afghanistan and relations with Pakistan will be at the centre of regional security questions, as will North Africa, the Middle East and the Iranian nuclear programme. European and Indian leaders will also discuss global challenges, international governance and the G20 process. (EH/transl.fl)