European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged India and the EU to redefine their partnership and finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) this year. She announced plans for a security and defense collaboration to address common threats like terrorism and maritime security. The FTA negotiations, originally launched in 2007, resumed last year, with the next round scheduled in March. Von der Leyen emphasized the connection between the EU-India partnership and broader geopolitical stability, particularly referencing the situation in Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the essential need for India and the European Union (EU) to rethink their partnership amidst the challenges of global power dynamics. She encouraged both parties to make substantial efforts to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) within this year, citing significant mutual benefits in a changing geopolitical landscape.
During her visit to India with a delegation of EU Commissioners, von der Leyen also revealed the EU’s intention to develop a security and defense partnership with India. This initiative aims to address shared threats such as cross-border terrorism, maritime security issues, and attacks on critical infrastructure.
In her address before discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she underscored the importance of an FTA, labeling it as potentially the largest of its kind globally. Von der Leyen acknowledged the complexities involved but expressed confidence in the partnership’s timing and necessity, urging that both sides should commit to finalizing the agreement this year.
The negotiations for this FTA, which originally commenced in 2007 but were halted in 2013, resumed in 2022. They have tackled challenging topics, including market access for European agricultural goods, tariff structures, and barriers to trade. The tenth round of these negotiations is set to occur in Brussels from March 10-14.
Von der Leyen outlined that the prospective security and defense collaboration between the EU and India would mirror existing partnerships the EU has with nations like Japan and South Korea. This partnership would be pivotal in combating mutual challenges, particularly cyber-attacks and threats against critical infrastructures.
She noted India’s interest in engaging in defense industrial projects under the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation framework, highlighting the mutual benefits of such alliances. She pointed out the necessity to diversify military supplies and enhance capabilities, signifying a balanced approach towards improving security objectives between the two regions.
While the speech acknowledged the geopolitical tensions stemming from the United States and China, von der Leyen stressed the importance of a cohesive response to emerging challenges. She urged collaborative approaches to economic diversification and supply chain resilience, reflecting on common interests in technology sectors such as semiconductors and clean energy.
Von der Leyen also referenced the ongoing Ukraine crisis, emphasizing that global peace and security are interconnected, even across vast distances. She warned against the implications of a failed state in Ukraine, noting that it would exacerbate challenges for regions beyond Europe, including India.
In summary, President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to India underlines the pressing necessity for a redefined partnership between India and the EU amidst global geopolitical challenges. Her call for concluding the Free Trade Agreement this year reflects a strong commitment to enhancing economic ties and addressing shared security concerns. The proposed collaborative efforts signify a strategic pivot in addressing common threats while fostering economic growth and resilience in the face of international uncertainties.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
