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The visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to India signals a significant intensification of the strategic partnership between the European Union and India. The article, derived from an exclusive interview with TOI, highlights the EU's commitment to strengthening ties with India across various domains, particularly in the context of an increasingly complex and uncertain global landscape. This initiative is portrayed not merely as a bilateral endeavor but as a crucial element in upholding the rules-based international order, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region, and fostering greater stability amidst growing geopolitical tensions. The EU views India as a pivotal partner in navigating these challenges and is keen to solidify cooperation on multiple fronts, including trade, technology, security, and economic resilience. This move toward a strengthened alliance can be viewed as a direct response to rising global uncertainty, particularly in relation to China's assertive foreign policy and the potential for trade wars instigated by actors like former President Trump. Ursula Von der Leyen's emphasis on a rules-based order highlights the EU's commitment to international law and cooperation, offering a counterweight to unilateral actions and protectionist tendencies. The forthcoming EU-India summit promises to deliver a concrete strategic agenda, signifying a decisive step toward deepening this partnership and tackling shared challenges more effectively. The commitment of the EU, as demonstrated by dispatching the entire EU College of Commissioners, shows seriousness of intent on the part of the union to work with India for the common betterment. The discussions that will take place will likely influence the shape of global politics and economics, and the success of the EU-India partnership could act as a model for international cooperation in a multipolar world. The EU's dedication to finalising the free trade agreement is particularly noteworthy, given the protracted negotiations spanning 15 years. Achieving a comprehensive and mutually beneficial FTA would unlock significant economic opportunities for both sides, fostering increased trade and investment flows, and creating jobs. The existing presence of 6,000 EU companies in India, responsible for 8 million jobs, underscores the potential for further economic integration and the benefits that can accrue from a deeper trade relationship. Von der Leyen's optimistic outlook on the FTA reflects a genuine desire to conclude the agreement, emphasizing the mutual advantages that would result from its successful completion. It is anticipated that the agreement can be achieved if commitment is demonstrated on both sides, and that negotiations can overcome hurdles encountered throughout the lengthy process. While the EU's strategic focus on India is undeniable, concerns remain about Europe's commitment to upholding the rule of law beyond its own borders. Some observers perceive a disconnect between the EU's emphasis on internal rule of law and its willingness to actively promote and enforce similar standards in other parts of the world, particularly the Indo-Pacific. Addressing these concerns and demonstrating a more coherent and constructive approach to the Indo-Pacific strategy will be crucial for building trust and ensuring the credibility of the EU's engagement in the region. This will entail not only articulating a clear vision for the Indo-Pacific but also taking concrete actions to support peace, security, and stability in the region, including through diplomatic initiatives, security cooperation, and economic partnerships. Furthermore, addressing the question of the Indo-Pacific strategy will involve managing the nuances in the relationship between the EU and China. Despite concerns over China's assertiveness, the EU maintains significant economic ties with China and seeks to avoid a complete decoupling. Therefore, the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy must strike a balance between safeguarding its own interests and promoting a stable and cooperative relationship with China. The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) represents a significant initiative to enhance connectivity and economic integration between the three regions. The EU's strong commitment to the IMEEC, backed by its €300 billion Global Gateway strategy, demonstrates its willingness to invest in critical infrastructure projects worldwide. The IMEEC has the potential to boost trade, improve access to goods, energy, and data, and foster closer economic ties between India, the Middle East, and Europe. The EU's focus on delivering the IMEEC reflects its commitment to translating ambitious projects into tangible outcomes and its recognition of the importance of connectivity for economic growth and regional stability. In the context of escalating trade tensions and the threat of trade wars, Von der Leyen's stance against unjustified tariffs is noteworthy. Her assertion that there are no winners in a trade war underscores the EU's commitment to open trade and multilateralism. The EU remains open to dialogue and mutually beneficial agreements but will not hesitate to respond to protectionist measures that harm its workers, businesses, and consumers. This firm stance against trade wars reinforces the EU's role as a champion of free and fair trade and its commitment to upholding the rules-based international trading system.
The Indo-Pacific region's increasing importance to Europe, recognized by the EU, is justified by it being one of Europe’s largest export destinations. This economic importance, coupled with the EU’s shared stake in the security and the upholding of the rules-based international order, strengthens its commitment to the region. The deepening of cooperation with countries that share these values promotes a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. This is achieved through a combination of diplomatic efforts, economic resilience-building measures, and security engagements. The EU’s approach to the Indo-Pacific reflects its belief in the importance of multilateralism and its commitment to working with like-minded partners to address shared challenges. Further evidence of the strengthening relations between the EU and India comes from the revival of talks on a free trade agreement in 2021, with a 10th round of negotiations planned in Brussels. While technical work remains, there is optimism that the agreement can be reached with commitment from both sides. The strong existing economic ties between the EU and India are underscored by Europe’s position as India's biggest trading partner and third-largest investor. The significant growth in trade over the last two decades, along with the thriving presence of European businesses in India, highlights the potential for further economic integration. The presence of EU companies in India, creating millions of jobs, indicates the positive impact of economic cooperation. The EU's intention to expand cooperation on digital technologies, particularly AI, and to accelerate work on clean technologies like electric vehicles and green hydrogen further reflects its forward-looking approach to the partnership with India. On the security front, the EU aims to deepen collaboration in areas such as cybersecurity, counterterrorism, maritime security, and even space security. These initiatives demonstrate the breadth and depth of the EU-India partnership, encompassing not only economic but also technological and security dimensions. The EU's focus on these areas reflects its recognition of the complex challenges facing the world today and its commitment to working with India to address them effectively. The EU's multifaceted approach to strengthening its partnership with India reflects its recognition of India's growing importance on the global stage and its commitment to working together to promote shared values and interests. The focus on trade, technology, security, and economic resilience demonstrates the EU's comprehensive vision for the relationship and its determination to build a strong and sustainable partnership. The upcoming EU-India summit will provide an opportunity to further advance these goals and to chart a course for deeper cooperation in the years to come.
Looking forward, the EU's strategic agenda with India is poised to reshape the dynamics of global trade, technology, and security. This agenda is not just about bilateral relations; it represents a broader vision for a multipolar world, where the EU and India play leading roles in promoting stability, prosperity, and shared values. The success of the EU-India partnership will depend on the ability of both sides to overcome challenges, deepen trust, and work together effectively to address shared concerns. The commitment to concluding a free trade agreement, fostering technological cooperation, and enhancing security collaboration is crucial for realizing the full potential of this partnership. The EU's willingness to invest in critical infrastructure projects like the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) demonstrates its commitment to long-term engagement and its belief in the transformative power of connectivity. The EU's engagement with the Indo-Pacific region, driven by economic interests and a commitment to the rules-based international order, reflects its growing recognition of the region's strategic importance. The EU's efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific, through diplomatic initiatives, security cooperation, and economic partnerships, will contribute to a more stable and prosperous world. The EU's commitment to multilateralism and its willingness to work with like-minded partners to address shared challenges underscore its role as a responsible global actor. The EU's strategic agenda with India is not only a reflection of its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties but also a testament to its belief in the power of international cooperation to address the complex challenges facing the world today. By working together, the EU and India can shape a better future for themselves and for the world.
The emphasis on concluding the FTA, the focus on technological advancements like AI and clean technologies, and the commitment to enhanced security cooperation all indicate a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to the partnership. These elements not only address immediate concerns but also lay the foundation for sustained collaboration in the long term. The EU's determination to stand against unfair trade practices and its commitment to safeguarding its economic interests also highlight its resolve in navigating an increasingly competitive global landscape. By promoting open dialogue and mutually beneficial agreements, the EU aims to foster a more stable and equitable international trading system. The overall strategic focus on India is a clear indication of the EU's commitment to fostering a strong and enduring partnership. By aligning their efforts across various sectors and upholding shared values, the EU and India can contribute significantly to global stability and prosperity. The path forward for the EU-India partnership requires sustained effort, mutual understanding, and a commitment to working together effectively. The upcoming EU-India summit will serve as a crucial platform for charting the future course of this vital relationship and for realizing its immense potential.
Source: Let’s finish what we started for our own benefit: EU chief on FTA