Latest news with #EU-India
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
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Biz collaborations for a circular economy via FTA to boost EU-India ties
With ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) talks, businesses for the circular economy will unlock circular value and further enhance collaborations and relations between India and the European Union (EU), said an EU official on Thursday, indicating that circular economy is part of the FTA talks. In June 2022, India and the 27-nation EU bloc resumed negotiations for a comprehensive FTA, an investment protection agreement and a pact on geographical indications after a gap of over eight years. Key areas of discussion include agriculture and dairy, government procurement, labour standards, sustainable development, and investment-related issues. 'In 2025, with ongoing FTA negotiations, recent EU colleagues' visits and further strengthening of EU-India relations, and business space for circular economy, it may mean unlocking circular value for this dynamic and further enhanced collaboration between the EU and India,' Ewa Suwara, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union, said on Thursday at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Business Summit. The EU and India are working on multiple projects together to promote a circular economy, aiming to reduce waste, increase resource efficiency, and foster sustainable development. Projects like the EU-India Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Initiative (EU-I RECEI) aim to foster sustainable value chains and create new economic and job opportunities, particularly for entrepreneurs and MSMEs, through circular economy solutions by leveraging EU expertise and best practices. India is increasingly focusing on a circular economy to minimise waste, maximise resource efficiency, and drive economic growth while reducing environmental impact. The circular economy in India is estimated to be worth $2 trillion and create 10 million jobs by 2050. EU-I RECEI also aims to support India in implementing the global sustainable consumption and production (SCP) agenda through the adoption of international standards and best practices in business on resource efficiency and circular economy. In February, the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) launched two major research and innovation initiatives, with a joint investment of ₹391 crore (€41 million), to address marine plastic pollution and develop waste-to-green hydrogen technologies. These aim to bring together researchers, start-ups, and industries from both India and the EU to find sustainable and global solutions. These initiatives are part of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and are coordinated under the EU's Horizon Europe programme, with co-funding from Indian ministries such as the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The goal is to find innovative and sustainable solutions to combat marine pollution and promote technological advancements.
India Gazette
24-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Piyush Goyal meets EU's Commissioner, holds talks on FTA
ANI 24 May 2025, 12:35 GMT+10 New Delhi [India], May 24 (ANI): Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal met European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic to discuss the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU).EU official Maros Sefcovic on Friday expressed via social media platform 'X', 'Delighted to welcome my friend and counterpart @PiyushGoyal. We continue to make progress. Let's maintain the momentum - with hard work, clear focus - and I look forward to our next meeting soon.''Thank you for the warm welcome, my friend. We remain committed to the shared prosperity of India and the EU. Let us keep this pace going!' Union Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted in response to Maros's to the European Union, the EU-India trade talks are picking up pace, and both sides aim to wrap up a deal by the end of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar sought Dutch support for accelerating negotiations on the India-European Union free trade agreement (FTA), which India hopes to conclude by the end of their last meeting, both India and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to address pending issues regarding their ambitious proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA). During that meeting, India stressed the importance of giving equal attention to non-tariff barriers (NTBs) alongside tariff negotiations to ensure meaningful EU and India launched two research and innovation initiatives under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), with a total investment of 41 million Euros (Rs 394 crore). These initiatives will drive collaborative solutions to pressing environmental challenges and foster cutting-edge technological month, the ambassador of the European Union to India and Bhutan, Herve Delphin, expressed faith in the position that India and the European Union hold in the current geopolitical landscape for 'drawing the bridge' with the Global South and delivering on the expectation of the region. (ANI)
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India, EU conclude 11th round of FTA talks, likely to agree on deal in two phases
AI-generated image NEW DELHI: India and the European Union have concluded the 11th round of negotiations on their proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), reportedly agreeing to pursue a two-stage approach to finalise the deal, an official source, quoted by news agency PTI confirmed on Sunday. "The 11th round of talks concluded on May 16," the official said, quoted by news agency PTI. This comes amid rising global trade uncertainties, particularly in light of US tariff policies under President Donald Trump . In response, both sides have opted for a phased strategy, similar to India's previous trade pacts with Australia and ongoing discussions with the US. Negotiators focused on key areas such as market access for goods, services, and investment. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal had earlier explained the rationale behind the phased approach, saying, "If some of the issues which may not be very core to the trade, maybe taking some more time, then it is better to focus on core trade issues. So, we say that first things are also discussing with the EU what can be the early harvest of the first tranche, where we can do faster. " The EU has sought significant tariff reductions on products including automobiles, medical devices, wines, spirits, meat, and poultry, as well as stronger intellectual property protections. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo A successful agreement is expected to enhance India's export competitiveness to the EU in sectors like ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, steel, petroleum products, and electrical machinery. C ommerce and Industry minister Piyush Goyal reviewed progress during his visit to Brussels on May 1. Talks resumed in June 2022 after an eight-year hiatus, following a breakdown in 2013 over market access concerns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen committed on February 28 to conclude the agreement by the end of 2025. The negotiations span 23 policy areas, including trade in goods and services, investment protection, customs procedures, technical barriers, intellectual property rights, and sustainable development. In 2023–24, EU-India bilateral goods trade stood at $137.41 billion, with Indian exports valued at $75.92 billion and imports at $61.48 billion- making the EU India's largest trading partner in goods. The EU accounts for around 17 per cent of India's total exports, while exports to India represent 9 per cent of total EU overseas sales. In addition to the FTA, talks continue on a bilateral investment protection agreement and recognition of geographical indications (GIs). Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
India Gazette
17-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"EU-India trade talks progress on intellectual property"
New Delhi [India], May 16 (ANI): The EU-India trade talks are picking up pace as both sides aim to wrap up a deal by the end of 2025, as per a statement by the European Union. Progress was made in this 11th round in key areas such as intellectual property and customs procedures, the statement said. 'The EU-India trade talks are picking up pace -- both sides aim to wrap up a deal by the end of 2025. Progress was made in this 11th round in key areas such as intellectual property and customs procedures. Still more to do, but momentum is building.' The European Union (EU) and India launched two research and innovation initiatives under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), with a total investment of 41 million Euros (Rs 394 crore), a statement by the European Union said. These initiatives will drive collaborative solutions to pressing environmental challenges and foster cutting-edge technological advancements, the statement said. Coordinated under the EU's Horizon Europe programme and co-funded by Indian ministries (MoES and MNRE), the two research calls will bring together researchers, startups, and industries from the EU and India to develop sustainable, scalable solutions with global impact. By strengthening the EU-India partnership, these initiatives operationalize the TTC's goals and reinforce the commitment to joint innovation. As per the statement, the first call focuses on combating marine pollution, particularly the pervasive issue of marine plastic litter. Co-funded by the EU (12 million Euro, which is approximately Rs 110 crore) and Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences (Rs 90 crore, or 9.3 million Euro), this call seeks innovative solutions to monitor, assess, and mitigate the cumulative impacts of various pollutants, including microplastics, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants, the statement said. The resulting research will contribute to global efforts, including the support international commitments such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and contribute to the objectives of the EU's Zero Pollution Action Plan and India's National Marine Litter Policy. By driving collaborative research and innovation, this initiative aims to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable development, as per the statement. (ANI)
