Latest news with #Delphin
The Print
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
EU recognised India's right to protect itself after ‘barbaric' Pahalgam attack—envoy on Op Sindoor
'On Operation Sindoor, the EU has stated very clearly what its position was. A few hours after the terrorist attack, there was a strong condemnation by the EU of this barbaric act. There were constant exchanges between the EU and India to keep each other informed about developments,' he said. The EU, Delphin said, also welcomes the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan and hopes for more stability in the region, Delphin added Thursday. Mumbai: The European Union's ambassador to India, Hervé Delphin, has emphasised that the 27-nation bloc, which has been looking to improve cooperation with India in defence and security, recognised India's right to protect and defend itself after the Pahalgam attack. The diplomat added, 'I would like to refer to what the EU has stated on the 8 May. There was a strong condemnation by the EU and recognition by the EU of the right of India to protect itself and to defend itself… we welcome the cessation of hostilities. We look forward to more stability in the region.' The ambassador spoke to reporters in Mumbai onboard the Reina Sofia, one of the two ships of the EU naval force's anti-piracy exercise, Operation Atalanta, on a port call in Mumbai. The Spanish ship Reina Sofia and the Italian ship Antonio Marceglia will participate in a joint naval exercise with ships of the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean from 1 to 3 June. The ambassador, along with Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, force commander of the EUNAVFOR Atalanta, also said the EU is looking to deepen its cooperation with India on the defence and maritime security sectors. Delphin said there was a new EU-India strategic agenda in the works within the EU that will set the base for negotiating a joint roadmap with India. 'On the EU's side, we will have a presentation in a few weeks on a new EU-India strategic agenda. That will set our basis for negotiating a joint roadmap in India. This should be endorsed by our leaders at the next EU-India summit in 2026,' Delphin said. The ambassador further said the EU is looking to widen and deepen cooperation with India across at least 50 sectors, with the defence and security dimension having been added to the list in 2021, calling it an area of 'impressive development'. 🇪🇺🤝🇮🇳 are set to conduct joint naval exercises in the #IndianOcean, focusing on counter-piracy operations, interoperability, tactical manoeuvres, & more! 🚢 🇪🇺 @EUNAVFOR frigates – 🇮🇹 Antonio MARCEGLIA and 🇪🇸 REINA SOFÍA – are in Mumbai to take part. — EU in India (@EU_in_India) May 29, 2025 He added that the maritime summit, the joint exercise and the talks across sectors show that there is action and the call for cooperation between the EU and India is not just political talk. Speaking to ThePrint, the ambassador said, there is potential for the cooperation to not just be seen in military operations, but also in the defence industries of both countries. 'Not only is India an importer of military, but it is also an exporter and producer. So I think this is where I would say both the dispensations of both sides and the defence industries have to find a way to cooperate. We are at the cusp of potentially developing such cooperation,' he said. He added that there will be further discussions on moving to a higher level in developing 'true partnerships' in defence and security. 'I really hope that by the next EU-India summit, there will be something concrete and announcements will be made,' he said. The next summit is likely to take place in late 2025. Better cooperation on India-EU maritime security Delphin said both the EU and India recognise each other as maritime security providers in the Indian Ocean, and it is in the common interests of both countries to develop cooperation at sea. 'About 30-40 percent of our imports and exports sail through the Indian ocean so free and open access in this channel is important for both the EU and India,' he said. 'Both India and EU share common interests and commitments to a free, open, inclusive, rule-based maritime order.' The joint exercise follows the fourth EU-India Maritime Security dialogue in March 2025, where, according to an EU statement, both sides emphasised cooperation on countering 'illicit maritime activities'. This was followed by EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation Commander, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano's visit to India. On Thursday, speaking to reporters about the joint exercises, Rear Admiral Da Pozzo, 'We have coordination. We have some exercises, and having these exercises helps us know there is scope for improvement on working on the same means, channels, sharing information and so on.' Operation Atalanta was launched in 2008 to boost maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Next week's joint exercise between the Indian Navy and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA will focus on advanced counter-piracy operations and better communication protocols. EUNAVFOR and the Indian Navy have held joint exercises in the past in the Gulf of Guinea and the Gulf of Aden. Moreover, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA warships deployed in the Indian Ocean have also conducted 'passing exercises' with the Indian Navy. Such an exercise involves two or more warships sailing alongside each other as a visual demonstration of coordination. (Edited by Sanya Mathur) Also Read: Estonia keen to collaborate with India on defence production, says Estonian foreign secretary
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Perpetrators of this attack should be brought to justice," EU Envoy to India says
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 30 (ANI): Herve Delphin, the Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to India, affirmed that the European Union recognised India's right to self-defence. Delphin said that the EU welcomed the decision by both parties on the cessation of violence. 'We were all shocked by the barbaric terrorist attack against Indian perpetrators of this attack should be brought to stated that the EU recognises the right of India to protect its citizens and defend itself. We welcome the cessation of hostilities (between India and Pakistan)...we should do our utmost to fight terrorism,' he told ANI. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, he said that EU High Representative Kaja Kallas was in constant touch with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the issue. 'I think on Operation Sindoor, the EU stated very clearly what its position was in the few hours after the terrorist attack. There was a strong condemnation by the EU of this barbaric act, and if you follow, there were constant exchanges between the EU and India on that matter between High Representative Kaja Kallas and EAM Jaishankar to keep each other informed about the developments,' he said. He referred to the telephonic exchanges between Jaishankar and Kallas, which they announced on X. 'I would like to refer to what the EU has stated on the 8th of recognition by the EU of the right of India to protect itself, protect its citizens and to defend itself,' he said. Delphin welcomed the ceasefire between the two parties. 'Certainly, we welcome that there is a cessation of hostilities, and I mean it is a long-standing bilateral issue, but as the EU, we are a strong partner and important partner for India, of course, we look forward to more stability in the region. I think it's in everyone's interest,' he said. Stating India is not just the 'second largest partner' for Slovenia in Asia but also 'the most important partner' for the European Union, National Council of Slovenia President Marko Lotric on Tuesday said the Pahalgam terror attack was 'totally not acceptable.' In an interview with ANI, he spoke spoke about the meeting with all-party delegation, led by DMK MP Kanimozhi, to inform nations about Pakistan's links to terrorism, he felt 'deeply sorry' for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 people were brutally killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. (ANI)
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Op Sindoor was reaction to Pahalgam, EU recognises India's right to defend itself: Envoy
The European Union acknowledges India's right to self-defense following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, as stated by EU Ambassador Herve Delphin. The EU supports dialogue between India and Pakistan for regional stability. In response to the attack, India launched 'Operation Sindoor,' targeting terror hideouts, leading to a ceasefire agreement after cross-border strikes. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The European Union recognises India's right to defend itself and protect its citizens, and Operation Sindoor was a reaction to the Pahalgam terrorist attack , its envoy said here on Thursday. Herve Delphin , EU Ambassador to India, said the EU supports a dialogue between India and Pakistan so there will be ways of ensuring future stability in the interest of both the nations."Operation Sindoor is a reaction of India to a dramatic event which was the killing of civilian tourists in Pahalgam. The EU made it clear that it condemns in strongest terms such barbaric acts. We also recognise the right in such circumstances for India to defend itself and protect its citizens from such barbaric acts," Delphin issue of terrorism must be seriously addressed, the ambassador further was talking to reporters in the backdrop of arrival of two frigates of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA -- Italian ship Antonio MARCEGLIA and Spanish ship REINA SOFIA -- along with their respective air assets. The European Union Naval Force and the Indian Navy will hold joint exercises in the Indian Ocean from June this month, India launched 'Operation Sindoor' and hit terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir after 26 people were killed in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India and EU navies to participate in joint exercise in Indian Ocean from June 1-3
India and the European Union will participate in a joint naval exercise from June 1 to 3 in the Indian Ocean on advanced counter-piracy operations, interoperability, tactical manoeuvres, and enhanced communication protocols reflecting the growing maritime security cooperation between the two sides, an EU statement said on Thursday. The exercise will involve Indian Navy ships and two frigates of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA, Italian ship Antonio MARCEGLIA and Spanish ship REINA SOFIA, along with their respective air assets, the statement added. The ships are currently docking in Mumbai. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 10 Most Beautiful Women In The World OMGIFacts Undo "The joint exercise will focus on advanced counter-piracy operations, interoperability, tactical manoeuvres, and enhanced communication protocols, reflecting the growing maritime security cooperation between the two sides. The respective Maritime Operations Centers (MOC) will control the exercise," the statement said. Talking to reporters, Herve Delphin, EU Ambassador to India, said the two EU ships belong to navy operations at ATALANTA that cover the northwest Indian Ocean, especially the Gulf of Aden. ATALANTA has a track record of preventing and intercepting acts of piracy. Live Events Over the time, there has been greater recognition for both India and the EU of the interest to cooperate in areas of maritime security and specifically in this part of the Indian Ocean. Delphin said the unprecedented presence of two EU navy ships in Mumbai is a result of commitment to bring the cooperation between the two sides at a much more granular, operational and tactical level. "We both recognise each other as maritime security providers in the Indian Ocean and it is in common interest to develop cooperation at sea," he said. This exercise builds on the visit of the College of Commissioners to India in February 2025. One of the key deliverables was to enhance engagement on maritime domain awareness with a view to promote shared assessment, coordination and interoperability, an EU statement said. Launched in 2008 to tackle piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden, Operation ATALANTA's mandate has evolved. It encompasses a broad range of security challenges, including counter-narcotics, arms smuggling, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Horn of Africa and western Indian Ocean. EUNAVFOR ATALANTA warships deployed in the Indian Ocean have conducted "Passing Exercises" (PASSEX) at sea with the Indian Navy in the past. Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, Force Commander of EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, claimed since the operation the piracy instances have come down. The fourth EU-India Maritime Security Dialogue held in March 2025 also emphasised countering illicit maritime activities and exploring new joint maritime initiatives aligning with the objectives of this exercise. Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano, Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, visited India in April to elevate bilateral cooperation with the Indian Navy. "Next month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be in Brussels for the first ever ministerial strategic dialogue," Delphin said. In a few weeks, on the EU side there will be a presentation of the new India Strategic Agenda of cooperation. This will be the basis for future joint road map for cooperation, Delphin said. "This is a very intensive period for the EU-India cooperation and partnership," the EU envoy said. Naval cooperation between the EU and India has expanded in recent years with joint exercises in the Gulf of Guinea and Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy has also been providing escort to World Food Programme chartered vessels coordinated by EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA . The EU and India are increasing cooperation on maritime security. The EU and India share a strong commitment to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region. This is underpinned by the respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, democracy, rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, notably the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the EU statement said. PTI
India Gazette
09-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
EU teams will be in New Delhi for FTA negotiations next week: Envoy Herve Delphin
New Delhi [India], May 9 (ANI): Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to India, Herve Delphin, on Friday said that the negotiating teams from the bloc will be India next week. '...The negotiation of a substantive free trade agreement represents a central plan in our relationship. Our leaders have directed the negotiating teams to conclude the negotiation by the end of the year. Both sides are fully committed to reaching this goal. It is a matter of necessity as much as urgency. Next week, the negotiating teams will meet here in Delhi and it is our sincere hope that it will represent a major milestone towards an agreement,' the EU envoy to India said, speaking at the Europe Day celebrations here in the national capital. 'The strength of EU and India economic and business ties cannot be understated. The EU is the largest trading partner of this FTA it has the potential to grow exponentially,' Delphin added. On 17 June 2022, the European Union relaunched negotiations with India for a Free Trade Agreement, and launched separate negotiations for an Investment Protection Agreement and an Agreement on Geographical Indications (GIs). The EU is India's largest trading partner, accounting for Euro 124 billion worth of trade in goods in 2023 or 12.2 per cent of total Indian trade. India is the EU's 9th largest trading partner, accounting for 2.2 per cent of the EU's total trade in goods in 2023. Trade in services between the EU and India reached Euro 59.7 billion in 2023, up from Euro 30.4 billion in 2020. India and EU are commited to conclude an ambitious FTA by the end of 2025, India's Ministry of Commerce and Industrysaid earlier this month. This commitment builds on the strategic direction given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen during the landmark visit of the EU College of Commissioners to New Delhi in February 2025. Both sides reiterated their aim to address pending issues in a spirit of mutual respect and pragmatism, including at the next round scheduled to be held from 12-16 May 2025 in New Delhi, the commerce ministry statement had said. India emphasized that meaningful progress in trade negotiations requires equal focus on non-tariff barriers (NTBs) alongside tariff discussions and regulatory frameworks must be inclusive, proportionate, and avoid restricting trade. (ANI)
