European Union envoy Herve Delphin hailed the growing ties between the EU and Bharat, affirming that Bharat has become a country of “tremendous importance” for the EU, with prospects for even deeper collaboration ahead.
Speaking at an event commemorating Europe Day, Delphin highlighted the strategic significance of encouraging robust relations with Bharat amidst a turbulent global landscape. He underlined the mutual benefits of strengthening ties between the EU and Bharat, acknowledging the pivotal role played by both governments and the business community in nurturing this partnership.
Delphin highlighted the pivotal role of the Federation of European Businesses in India (FEBI) in driving EU-India relations forward, stressing that partnerships between nations extend beyond governmental spheres to encompass people-to-people connections, including business, academia, and tourism.
“The mobility of businesses, workers, students, researchers, and tourists will further enrich our partnership,” remarked Delphin, highlighting the diverse facets of collaboration between Europe and Bharat.
Highlighting the EU’s commitment to peace and international cooperation, Delphin reiterated the EU’s role as a peace project and its dedication to upholding principles of democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed the EU’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression, along with efforts to promote peace in the Middle East.
Delphin also referenced recent milestones in EU-Bharat relations, including the signing of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement or TEPA with the European Free Trade Association-EFTA. This agreement aims to boost investments in Bharat and create significant employment opportunities over the next decade.
Furthermore, Delphin mentioned discussions regarding a Free Trade Agreement or FTA between Bharat and the European Union, highlighting Bharat’s ambitious economic trajectory and emphasising the importance of fairness, equity, and balance in trade negotiations.
As both the EU and Bharat continue to strengthen their partnership across various sectors, Delphin expressed optimism about the future trajectory of EU-India relations, emphasizing the shared commitment to mutual prosperity and global stability.
