Can EAM Jaishankar's Talks with EU's Maros Sefcovic Lead to Productive Engagements in India?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar met EU Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in New Delhi.
- Both sides aim for productive discussions and engagements.
- Negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement are a priority.
- Progress in the India-EU Trade and Technology Council is acknowledged.
- Strengthening bilateral relations is crucial for economic stability.
New Delhi, Dec 8 (NationPress) The External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged in discussions with Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, in New Delhi on Monday. He expressed optimism that the activities of the visiting delegation would yield fruitful outcomes.
Taking to social media platform X, Jaishankar shared, "It was a pleasure meeting the European Trade & Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in New Delhi today. I am confident that the Commissioner and his team will partake in meaningful dialogues during their time in India."
A joint statement released last month after the 11th India-European Union Foreign Policy and Security Consultations and the 6th Strategic Partnership Review Meeting in Brussels indicated that both India and the European Union anticipate constructive negotiations aimed at swiftly concluding a Security and Defence Partnership and a Security of Information Agreement.
The meetings, which took place on November 18-19, evaluated the comprehensive bilateral relationship and reviewed the progress of the 'India–EU Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025', as it nears completion this year.
According to the joint statement, both parties acknowledged the "very positive momentum" in EU–India relations, including the significant College of Commissioners' visit to India in February, the inaugural EU–India Strategic Dialogue in Brussels led by HRVP Kaja Kallas and EAM Jaishankar in June, and the EU's adoption of the Joint Communication on the Strategic Agenda on India in September.
"Both sides reaffirmed their shared goal of finalizing negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year and accelerating discussions on the Investment Protection Agreement and the Agreement on Geographical Indications. They emphasized the significance of multilateral cooperation and ongoing dialogues on economic matters, particularly regarding supply chain diversification. Both parties also recognized the advancements within the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and looked forward to the next TTC Ministerial Meeting in Brussels in 2026," the statement mentioned.
Earlier on October 29, EAM Jaishankar met with a delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade in New Delhi, discussing strategies to enhance convergences and deepen collaboration.
Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, along with other officials, were present during the discussions.
"I was pleased to meet the delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade INTA today in Delhi. We discussed how India and the European Union can maximize convergences and strengthen cooperation, which can stabilize the global economy and bolster democratic forces. The swift conclusion of the India-EU FTA could significantly contribute to these aims," EAM Jaishankar posted on X following his meeting with the EU delegation.