India and the EU have agreed to hold their first ministerial Strategic Foreign Policy Dialogue, aimed at strengthening cooperation ahead of the 2025 India-EU Summit. This engagement arose from a discussion between Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and the new EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, focusing on mutual security challenges and economic collaboration.
On Tuesday, India and the European Union (EU) initiated plans for their inaugural ministerial Strategic Foreign Policy Dialogue, as part of the preparations for the forthcoming India-EU Summit in 2025. The decision emerged from a phone conversation between India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Kaja Kallas, the newly appointed EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This meeting marks a significant step in advancing bilateral relations on various strategic fronts, including security, trade, and maritime issues.
The establishment of the Strategic Foreign Policy Dialogue signifies a deeper engagement between India and the EU against the backdrop of evolving global challenges. Following recent leadership changes in the EU, with Kaja Kallas succeeding Josep Borrell, the urgency to strengthen ties was underscored by discussions surrounding interconnected global security challenges. The dialogue will aim to address key areas of shared interest, reflecting India’s initiatives for an open Indo-Pacific and the EU’s concerns over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In summary, the agreement to hold a Strategic Foreign Policy Dialogue is a pivotal development in India-EU relations, anticipated to result in actionable strategies in addressing shared global security matters. This initiative not only highlights the commitment of both parties to collaborate on multifaceted issues, including trade and digital transition, but also lays the groundwork for substantive outcomes anticipated at the upcoming India-EU Summit.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
