Synopsis
On March 26, Ambassador Saurabh Kumar met with MEP Angelika Niebler in Brussels to enhance India-EU relations post her visit for the Raisina Dialogue. They discussed parliamentary cooperation and recent political developments, emphasizing the strategic partnership's evolution.Key Takeaways
- Ambassador Saurabh Kumar met with MEP Angelika Niebler.
- Focus on strengthening parliamentary cooperation.
- EU-India relations are built on shared values.
- Recent visit by European Commission enhanced strategic ties.
- Commitment to elevate the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
Brussels, March 26 (NationPress) In a bid to enhance India-European Union relations, the Indian Ambassador to the EU, Saurabh Kumar, held a meeting with Angelika Niebler, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and Chair of the Delegation for Relations with India, following her recent visit to India for the Raisina Dialogue.
During this significant meeting, they explored ways to bolster parliamentary cooperation through high-level interactions, building on the momentum from last month’s visit by the European Commission to India. They also exchanged insights on the latest political dynamics in Europe and worldwide.
“Ambassador Saurabh Kumar engaged with MEP & Chair of the Delegation for Relations with India, Angelika Niebler, after her trip to India for the Raisina Dialogue. The discussion focused on enhancing parliamentary cooperation through high-level engagements, the positive trajectory of India-EU relations post-Commission visit, and political events in Europe and globally,” the Embassy of India to the EU shared on X.
The India-EU relationship is grounded in mutual values such as democracy, the rule of law, a rules-based international order, and a commitment to multilateralism.
Regular exchanges between parliaments are crucial for sustaining this strategic partnership, fostering ongoing dialogue between both parties. The partnership was elevated to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ in 2004.
During her visit from February 27 to February 28, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, along with the European Union College of Commissioners, made history by being the first-ever delegation to visit India together. This visit significantly enhanced strategic ties between the EU and India.
Von der Leyen highlighted the necessity of stronger EU-India relations in an increasingly intricate global landscape, noting that both sides frequently share aligned interests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of the European Commission reaffirmed that the EU-India Strategic Partnership has yielded substantial advantages for both populations and for global welfare.
They pledged to elevate this partnership, building on two decades of the India-EU Strategic Partnership and over 30 years of the India-EC Cooperation Agreement.
The leaders acknowledged that their shared values—such as democracy, the rule of law, and adherence to a rules-based international order per the UN Charter—position India and the EU as like-minded and trustworthy partners.
They also emphasized the need to intensify collaboration in areas like trade, de-risking supply chains, investment, emerging critical technologies, innovation, talent development, digital and green industrial transitions, space and geospatial sectors, defense, and fostering people-to-people connections.
“India and Europe share a robust partnership founded on common values, innovation, and sustainability. Our close collaboration is shaping a brighter future for our planet. Together, we are committed to pursuing a prosperous world,” PM Modi stated on X following the meeting with the European Commission delegation.
