External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed confidence that the partnership between India and the European Union (EU) will continue to grow in the times ahead, emphasizing the consequential nature of their ties not only for the two sides but also for the world.
Jaishankar, along with his wife Kyoko Jaishankar, attended the Europe Day celebrations in Delhi on Tuesday, where he praised the deeper economic ties, stronger technology cooperation, and increased people-to-people connect between India and the EU.
“Pleased to attend Europe Day celebrations in New Delhi today. India-EU relations are consequential not only for us both but also for the world. Our expanded exchanges, deeper economic ties, stronger technology cooperation and increased people-to-people connect tell their own story. Confident that this partnership would grow further in the times ahead,” Jaishankar stated on the social media platform X.
Notably, Europe Day is celebrated on May 9 every year to commemorate peace and unity in Europe, and Jaishankar was the chief guest at the event.
Describing the relationship between India and the EU as “consequential for the world as well,” the External Affairs Minister highlighted the EU’s position as India’s largest economic partner, with ties running “very deep, spanning many domains.”
In his address, Jaishankar emphasized the need for more “resilient and reliable” supply chains, stronger digital cooperation based on trust and transparency, and revitalizing the global economy – areas where India and the EU can collaborate effectively.
Recognizing the EU’s contribution to the India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Jaishankar stated, “We certainly attach importance to it and look forward to taking it forward.”
The minister also welcomed the greater interest shown by the EU and individual European states in the Indo-Pacific region, appreciating their approach to the region.
Jaishankar acknowledged the EU’s engagement in the security domain, expressing pleasure in welcoming the defense presence of Europe in the region. He also appreciated the value and contribution of the EU and individual European states to the G20 during India’s chairmanship last year.
Meanwhile, European Union Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin, highlighted the growing importance of the India-EU partnership, stating, “In this turbulent environment, there is one country, and one relationship that has gained tremendous importance for the EU, and it is India.”
Delphin expressed his belief that the partnership would “deepen further,” emphasizing its strategic relevance for both sides and the world.
(Inputs from ANI)