During his visit to Belgium and France, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with EU officials to review the progressing Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Both parties agree that the FTA will enhance their strategic partnership. Jaishankar also discussed broader issues, including terrorism, emphasizing a global responsibility stemming from historical contexts.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been actively engaged in a week-long mission across Belgium and France. His visit included a crucial meeting with European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in Brussels. Both officials reviewed the ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU), highlighting that this agreement would significantly enhance the relationship between the two partners.
During their discussions, which also included emphasis on the need to finalize the agreement by the end of the year, Jaishankar noted on social media that both sides are recognizing the considerable progress being made. He remarked that the proposed FTA is not just a trade deal but a cornerstone for elevating the strategic partnership to new heights, reflecting new dimensions in their bilateral relations.
Šefčovič echoed these sentiments, discussing their aim to achieve a commercially meaningful trade agreement. He expressed eagerness to continue discussions with India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who has been an active participant in negotiations this year. Meanwhile, Jaishankar extended his diplomatic engagements by meeting Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, stressing the importance of India-EU parliamentary ties based on mutual values of democracy and pluralism.
In an additional meeting with Jozef Sikela, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jaishankar talked about various collaborative initiatives including connectivity projects and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The talks culminated in the signing of a trilateral cooperation arrangement which Jaishankar believes will serve the interests of the Global South.
In a twist of focus, Jaishankar spoke about the recent Pakistan-India clashes, reiterating that the crux of the issue is terrorism. He warned that the ripple effects of this terrorism would ultimately affect Europe. Reflecting on historical contexts, he referred to the infamous case of Osama bin Laden’s long-term residence in Pakistan and criticized Western nations for their past support of Pakistan despite their own violations against India immediately post-independence. Jaishankar asserted, “If those same countries… now say ‘let’s have a great conversation about international principles’, I think I’m justified in asking them to reflect on their own past.”
The ongoing discussions between India and the EU regarding a free trade agreement are positioned to significantly strengthen their bilateral ties. Jaishankar’s meetings with key European leaders underscore the urgency to finalize this essential deal against a backdrop of geopolitical dynamics. Furthermore, his comments on terrorism highlight a new focus on broader security concerns extending beyond regional disputes, calling into question historical support choices made by Western nations. In essence, the dialogue continues to evolve, touching vital areas of trade, security, and international relations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
