India & EU condemn terrorism, extremism, and cross-border attacks

In a significant move towards bolstering their strategic partnership, India and the European Union (EU) came together to condemn terrorism, extremism, and cross-border attacks during the fourth Strategic Partnership Review Meeting that was held in New Delhi on Monday (May 8, 2023).

The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (West) Sanjay Verma and the EU delegation was headed by Deputy Secretary General for Economic and Global Issues, European External Action Service Helena König.

According to information released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discuss covered a diverse variety of subjects, including the shared commitment to battling terrorism in all of its forms. "They unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border attacks," the MEA said on Tuesday.

During the discussions, both sides reviewed the wide ranging India – EU bilateral relationship detailed in the ‘India-EU Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025’ agreed during the 15th India – EU Summit in 2020. "India and the EU went through that extensive review of their successful bilateral relationship also in the context of the meetings organised by India under its G20 Presidency," the MEA said.

The discussions focussed on a broad range of topics covering Climate, Clean Energy, Biodiversity, Circular Economy, Resource efficiency, Smart Urbanisation, Trade, Research & Innovation, Education, Mobility, and Digital issues, including Data protection.

India and the EU discussed cooperation in the sphere of connectivity and emphasized that connectivity projects respect sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also took stock of the ongoing negotiations for Free Trade Agreement, Investment Protection Agreement and Agreement on Geographical Indications. Furthermore, they discussed the progress and scope of the recently established India-EU Trade and Technology Council and looked forward to a first ministerial meeting under the TTC mechanism on May 16 in Brussels.

The EU and India talked about the perspectives for a safer, prosperous and more democratic world. They commended the resumption in 2021 of the EU-India Human Rights Dialogue, and committed to holding it on an annual basis.

According to the MEA, they underscored the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law. Both sides emphasized that the rules-based international order must respect sovereignty, territorial integrity, transparency, and peaceful resolution of disputes.

"They also expressed their commitment to their increased engagement across all areas with a view of identifying areas to strengthen cooperation, including through the Global Gateway, and looking into priorities for the next India-EU Summit," the MEA added.