INDIA EUROPEAN UNION RELATIONS

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.euractiv.com/section/eu-india/interview/strengthening-indias-european-ties-indian-ambassador-to-eu-calls-for-more-engagement/

Context:

India and the European Union (EU) aim for deeper engagement through enhanced trade, technology cooperation, and resilient supply chains.

European Union (EU)

• It is a political and economic union made up of 27 European countries to promote cooperation, stability, and prosperity in the region.
• The historical root goes back to the situation that originated after World War II.
  • • After the destruction of World War II, European leaders aspired to ensure peace by binding their countries economically and politically.
    • Leaders believed that nations that trade together are less likely to go to war.
• The Treaty of Rome (1957) established the European Economic Community (EEC) commonly called the Common Market.
  • • It aimed to promote economic cooperation and ensure the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.
    • This economic integration set the foundation for a more integrated political union.
• The Maastricht Treaty (1993) transformed the EEC into the European Union.
  • • This expanded the area of cooperation from only economic matters to include political, security, and social policies.
• The euro was introduced in 1999 for commercial and financial transactions.
  • • Currently, 20 of the 27 member states use the euro as their official currency.
• The United Kingdom organised a referendum in 2016, and 52% voted to leave the EU (Brexit).

About India-European Union (EU) Relation

• During the early 1960s, India established diplomatic relations with the then-European Economic Community (EEC).
• The relationship evolved over the decades and created the groundwork for a more structured partnership.
• India and the EU are expanding their collaboration beyond trade, holding regular summits to address cybersecurity, maritime security, and counter-terrorism.

Area of Cooperation

• India and the EU have seen a significant increase in trade relations, reaching nearly €124 billion in 2023.
  • • India exports agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods.
    • India imports machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, and manufactured goods.
• European FDI into India reached €87.3 billion in 2021.
• The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was established in 2022 to address trade, technology, and security challenges.
• India and the EU are working on climate change and sustainability, launching a "Green Strategic Partnership" in 2021 to focus on clean energy transition, circular economy, and biodiversity conservation.
• They are key players in the International Solar Alliance, promoting global solar energy adoption and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• The India-EU Digital Partnership focuses on improving digital infrastructure, connectivity, and 5G technology.
• European defence companies are working with Indian firms to boost domestic defence production.

Challenges in India-European Union Relations

• India-EU negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement have faced challenges such as tariff disagreements, market access, and intellectual property rights.
  • • The EU seeks lower tariffs on exports like wine, automobiles, and cheese, while India is concerned about reducing these tariffs.
• The EU's strict environmental standards and labour laws create friction in trade practices and investment flows.
• Geopolitical tensions can reduce cooperation on global issues like China's influence and regional conflicts.
• Both regions are committed to addressing climate change, but their approaches and priorities can create challenges in environmental cooperation.

Way Forward for India-European Union Relations

• The EU-India leaders should finalise the Free Trade Agreement that aims to improve economic and trade relations between the two nations by reducing tariffs, increasing market access, and unifying regulatory standards.
  • • Both regions should work to reduce trade barriers, such as decreasing European goods tariffs and expanding access to Indian IT and professional services.
• They should collaborate on geopolitical issues, such as China's influence and regional crises, and address security concerns through expanding counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and conflict resolution activities.
  • • Regular talks and joint strategic exercises can strengthen security collaboration.
• Collaboration in renewable energy technologies, health research, and advanced materials can lead to advancements in green technologies.
• They should focus on sustainable development projects and climate policy alignment, focusing on environmental initiatives like the Clean Ganga Project.
• Research and innovation need to be promoted through joint projects in renewable energy technologies, health, and advanced materials science.
• Cultural and people-to-people exchanges should be promoted through educational and cultural exchanges, such as cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and language courses.
• Their collaboration in global forums like the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, and G20, can help to address global challenges and promote shared values like sustainable development and global security.

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Source:

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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Critically analyse the role of climate change and environmental cooperation in the India-EU relationship. How have joint initiatives or collaborations in these areas affected their bilateral ties and contributed to global environmental goals? (250 Words)