Context

The EU-India Strategic Partnership has come a long way in recent years. The relationship is based on long-standing shared values and interests. There are numerous opportunities to unleash the full potential of EU-India cooperation.

India-EU Cooperation on Climate Change

• The EU has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
• But EU member states together only account for 9 per cent of global emissions.
• Need to engage with the rest of the world:  EU-India cannot solve this problem unless they engage with the rest of the world to address it.
  • India’s commitment, as one of the biggest democracies in the world, is a key part of the solution.
  • The mixed outcome of the COP25 Climate Conference shows how much more remains to be done.
  • Clean Energy and Climate Partnership (CECP): In 2016 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European leaders agreed on an EU-India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership (CECP).
  • EU and International Solar Alliance: In 2018, the EU joined efforts with the International Solar Alliance, headquartered in India.

Cooperation in trade

• Both are the members of WTO: India and EU both agree on the vital role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the need to overcome the crisis of the dispute settlement system.
  • Ministerial dialogue: The launch of a regular ministerial dialogue on economic, trade and investment issues could give additional impetus to the relations.

Cooperation on security

• Indian Navy vessels are now escorting World Food Programme ships in the framework of the EU Atlanta operation against piracy off the coast of Somalia.
• Cooperation on anti-terrorism: Counter-terrorism experts from Europe and India exchange experiences and best practices.
  • As a result, an enhanced working relationship between our police officers is taking shape.

Digital economy and cyber

• Need to deepen cooperation: EU and India should deepen cooperation to protect fundamental freedoms in cyberspace and the free flow of data – and counter the drift towards high-tech “de-coupling”.
• India-EU does not want a split in cyberspace, forcing both to “choose sides” between competing systems and standards.
• India and EU both believe in fair competition, based on global standards, for 5G, AI, big data and the internet of things.

Conclusion

There is much that the EU and India have accomplished in recent years. But there is even more to be done to further strengthen our dynamic dialogue and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and as players on the world stage.

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