EU approves 'new strategic agenda' with India, agrees on cooperation in many areas

New Delhi, October 20 (IANS). The EU Council on Monday approved the ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’ to take relations between the European Union and India to new heights. In this agenda, cooperation between the two sides is planned on trade, development, technology, security and global issues. This approval was given on the basis of joint negotiations by the High Representative of the European Union and the European Commission. Its aim is to take the relations between India and the European Union to a new strategic dimension. In particular, the Council welcomed the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and the European Commission. The target is to complete this agreement by the end of 2025. The Council described it as balanced, ambitious and beneficial for both sides. The agreement will include provisions related to improved market access, the removal of trade barriers and sustainable development. In light of the changing global situation, the Council reiterated the commitment to enhance cooperation in the security and defense sector between India and the EU. This cooperation will be based on mutual trust and respect. In this direction, a plan is being considered to establish ‘Security and Defense Partnership’, which can also promote defense production and technical cooperation. The Council called for continued dialogue and cooperation with India in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. In addition, the Council also underlined the joint responsibility of India and the EU in maintaining the UN Charter-based multilateral order and the rules-based international system. The protection of democratic values, human rights and especially the rights of women and children has been given a prominent place in the EU-India agenda. The Council called on the European Commission and the High Representative to implement this strategic agenda based on set priorities, so that the relations between the two sides can be further strengthened. –IANS VKU/AS Share this story Tags