Brussels, 16/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - In a communication adopted on Wednesday, the Commission proposed a strategic partnership with India that covered five essential areas: improving international co-operation, strengthening the economic partnership, co-operation for development, cultural and intellectual relations and institutional architecture. The previous partnership of June 1996, according to the Commission needed to be updated.
The EU is initially seeking to improve positions during preparations of negotiations and the implementation of the major conventions and multilateral conferences, notably in the UN, whose reform deserved continued dialogue. India and the EU, which are mobilising their forces for conflict prevention and peace keeping are also expected to develop common initiatives, for example, training these contingents. In non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the EU is calling for more political dialogue and suggests experts' meetings to guarantee export controls of sensitive products that could be used for other uses. The fight against terrorism and organised crime, as well as the promotion of democracy and human rights are another priority. The EU could also elaborate a strategic document for south Asia for launching an regional approach for peace, prosperity and stability in the zone.
The increasing economic weight of India, is encouraging the EU to promote trade and investment by way of dialogue on inter-sector issues such as the environment, industrial policy and strategic sectors such as the information society, transport, energy, biotechnology and space co-operation (Galileo).
EU support for development should focus on reducing social and regional inequality and ensuring the effective participation of minority groups. the EU and India should boost intellectual and cultural ties through the development of parliamentary and academic exchanges as well as cultural projects. Institutional Architecture: the EU and India should streamline and make more effective the framework of their relationship (summits, joint committees, work groups etc.).
Commissioner Chris Patten said that following the recent elections he looked forward to working with the new Indian government and declared that he hoped that "that ministers will respond to our Communication with proposals of their own”. These could be produced at the 5th EU/India summit in The Hague on 14 October.