The European Union and India have launched a joint Trade and Technology Council. In view of the rapidly changing geopolitical situation, both sides agree that deep strategic cooperation is needed, it said in a joint statement on Monday during a visit by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to the Indian capital New Delhi. “Today, this relationship is more important than ever,” said the German politician, referring to cooperation between the EU and India.
Among other things, the council will create the necessary structures to operationalize political decisions and coordinate technical work, it said. It was not announced when he would actually start work. It is the second Council of this kind. The EU is also exchanging information with the USA in this format.
The EU, like the USA and Great Britain, is currently trying to develop closer ties with India. The country had recently attracted attention with its neutral stance on the Russian war of aggression. India, the world’s second most populous country and the world’s most populous democracy, has neither condemned the war nor supports Western sanctions. Instead, it has expanded trade with Russia — buying more cheap Russian oil, for example. India is also heavily dependent on Moscow for its military equipment and related spare parts.
Trade will also be discussed during the visit. The EU is India’s third most important trading partner, von der Leyen wrote. Teams would soon begin negotiations on trade and investment agreements. The EU wants to move away from Russian energy and invest heavily in renewable energy, so cooperation on solar and green hydrogen is important. For years, the Union and India have also been trying to agree on a free trade agreement, but so far without success. (dpa)