At the plenary session in Strasbourg on Tuesday 16 January, MEPs discussed the report by Alviina Alametsä (Greens/EFA, Finnish) on relations between the European Union and India.
It aims to strengthen bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in priority areas, as described in the EU-India Roadmap 2025.
“We are counting on the High Representative of the Union (for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, editor's note) to demonstrate that our recommendations will help to strengthen the Union’s position for future high-level summits and policies towards India, in particular the new EU roadmap for the post-2025 period”, said Ms Alametsä.
In their report, the MEPs call for joint action and leadership on the world stage, particularly with the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
They also advocate inclusive, rules-based connectivity in the fields of digitalisation, transport, climate, environment, energy and health.
Most of the contributions to the debate also focused on the deteriorating human rights situation in India, particularly with regard to the treatment of religious minorities.
Commissioner Janez Lenarčič, speaking on behalf of the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, also recognised the importance of safeguarding human rights and democratic values.
“For us, human rights are an indispensable element in our relations with all our partners, India being no exception. The EU is the only external partner with which India has a dialogue on human rights, and we attach great importance to this”, he assured.
He also highlighted the geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, saying that “our ability to cooperate on key priorities will benefit India, the EU and the rest of the world”.
To see the report: https://aeur.eu/f/aer (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)