The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, organised the first EU/India strategic dialogue in Brussels on Tuesday 10 June.
The two sides stressed the growing importance of cooperation between the European Union and India in a rapidly changing world. The EU High Representative highlighted the various areas of collaboration, ranging from defence and digital innovation to green energy and trade.
On this last subject, both Ms Kallas and Mr Jaishankar reaffirmed their commitment to concluding an ambitious free trade agreement by the end of the year, as agreed between the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, last February (see EUROPE 13654/17).
As the European Commission seeks to forge diverse partnerships around the world, Kaja Kallas described the EU as a reliable and credible partner for India.
For India too, the partnership has its advantages. “India and the EU sometimes have different visions, but it is important is that we expand common ground and understanding and enhance levels of trust”, emphasised Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
This first strategic dialogue has made it possible to establish a new dialogue on space, which will include satellite navigation and security. A first meeting is due to take place in the autumn, announced Kaja Kallas.
There should also be closer ties in the defence sector. “For the future, there are solid arguments in favour of an EU/India partnership on security and defence”, according to the High Representative.
The two also discussed the fighting that took place between India and Pakistan last May (see EUROPE 13636/5), as well as the terrorist attack perpetrated on 22 April in Pahalgam (Jammu and Kashmir). And the High Representative stressed that India has the right to protect its citizens, in compliance with international law. “The EU supports the ongoing discussions between India and Pakistan to reduce tensions”, she added. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)