Is the European Union a Reliable Partner for India?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The EU is seen as a reliable partner for India.
- Commitment to multilateralism is central to their collaboration.
- The new strategy includes five key pillars for long-term ties.
- Strengthening relations is vital amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
- Economic growth and security are priorities for both regions.
New York, Sept 23 (NationPress) The European Union's leading diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has reassured India of its status as a "reliable" partner committed to promoting multilateralism, during a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Alongside Brazil’s Minister Mauro Vieira Juan and Mexico’s Foreign Secretary Ramon de la Fuente, Kallas participated in a gathering with EU foreign ministers on Monday.
Post-meeting, Kallas, known as the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, shared on X, “Our message to partners is straightforward: the EU is a dependable actor. We advocate for multilateralism, free trade, and a world anchored in the UN Charter.”
Jaishankar, in his post on X regarding the meeting, expressed, “It was a pleasure to meet the EU Foreign Ministers at their informal gathering today.”
This meeting provided an opportunity for a candid exchange of views on multilateralism, the India-EU partnership, the Ukraine conflict, Gaza, energy, and trade, he remarked.
During a news conference, Kallas emphasized, “The EU's relationships with Brazil, India, and Mexico are not just economically significant, but also crucial for Europe in maintaining the rules-based international order.”
“We must defend the multilateral order, with the UN Charter at its foundation,” she stated.
Kallas also highlighted the EU’s “new strategy to enhance ties with India” that was introduced last week.
This strategy aims to establish long-term relations between India and the EU, focusing on five core pillars: trade, investment, technology and sustainability; defence and security; connectivity and global issues; and coordination on labor mobility.
Earlier in the week, the EU revealed a new strategic agenda designed to intensify its collaboration with India across critical domains like defense, trade, and energy, as well as to collectively address significant global challenges.
The EU recognized that its strengthened partnership with India is increasingly essential in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics, asserting that it is wise for both sides to bolster economic growth and security.