EU, INDIA AGREE TO BUILD SECURITY PARTNERSHIP AMID PRESSURE ON RULES-BASED ORDER

NEW DELHI, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The European ‌Union (EU) is ready to build a closer security partnership with India as the "rules-based" order comes under strain from global power rivalries.

"This is a pivotal moment for our bilateral relationship, with renewed political momentum and a clear sense of purpose," EU foreign policy chief and European Commission vice president Kaja Kallas told the European Parliament on Wednesday.

"Today we agreed to move forward with the signature of a new EU-India security and defence partnership in areas like maritime security, cybersecurity and counterterrorism," Kallas said.

The 16th EU-India summit in New Delhi on January 27 will adopt a new joint comprehensive strategic agenda, the EU foreign policy chief said.

EU Council President Antonio Costa and EU Commission ‌President Ursula von der Leyen will pay a state visit to India from Jan 25 to 27 to attend the 77th Republic Day celebrations as honoured guests.

"The EU and India are moving closer together at a time when the rules-based international order is under unprecedented pressure through wars, coercion, and economic fragmentation," Kallas said.

In "concrete deliverables" at the summit, Kallas said India and the EU aim to conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement.

"This deal will open markets, remove barriers and strengthen critical supply chains in clean technologies, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors," she said.

As part of their "more ambitious and more operational" partnership, the two sides are exploring ways to strengthen cooperation in several areas, including securing shipping lanes, artificial intelligence, and facilitating the easier movement of skilled workers and professionals.

-- BERNAMA