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Introduction:- The European Union (EU), the
largest single market in the world is the result of a process of co-operation
which began in 1951 amongst European countries. India was among the first
countries to set-up diplomatic relation with the European Economic Community, in
the early sixties. After four decades of co-operation today the EU is India's
largest trading associates accounting for 21.73% exports and 20.42% of total
Indian imports in the fiscal year 2002-03.
The India-EU relations are structured to a co-operation agreement signed in
December 1993. This relationship ahs assumed strategic depth and maturity in
recent years with bilateral interactions having been raised to summit level
dialogue since 2000. The chronology of various EU-India summits held so far is
given below:-
- First EU-India Summit - Lisbon 2000.
- Second EU-India Summit - New Delhi 2001.
- Third EU-India Summit - Copenhagen 2002.
- Fourth EU-India Summit - New Delhi 2003,
Fourth EU-India Summit:- The Fourth Summit between
India and the EU was held in New Delhi on 29 th November 2003. India was
represented by the then Prime Minister Sh.A.B.Vajpayee. He was assisted by
external affairs Minister Mr. Yashwant sinha. The EU was represented by
President of the European Commission Mr.Romano Prodi, the Commissioner in charge
of External Affairs Chris Pattern, High representative for Common Foreign and
Security Policy Mr.Javier Solana, and Italian Minister of State for External
Affairs Ms. Margherita Boniver. The summit yielded agreements in the following
areas:-
- Regarding Human Rights and terrorism : The leaders acknowledged that all human
rights are universal, indivisible and inter-dependant. International
co-operation needs to be harnessed for the production and promotion of human
rights through dialogue in a comprehensive global framework. The leaders
affirmed their commitment to al the UN Anti-Terrorism Conventions and also
supported the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. All
states were called upon to implement the UNSC resolution 1373, so as to ensure
that their territories are not used for sponsoring terrorist activities against
other states. Establishment of co-operation between Europe and Indian security
agencies was also called upon.
- Regarding International Affairs :- the EU-India Summit supported efforts of
President Karzai's government to build a united and independent Afghanistan and
expressed commitment towards the reconstruction of Afghanistan, while stress
swing upon non-interference in its internal affairs. Deep concern was expressed
for the resurgence of violence in Israel and Palestine and the summit called for
sincere implementation of the provisions of Quartet Road Map, for peace in the
Middle East. The summit also reviewed the developments in Iraq and emphasized
upon adoption of a time bound process for handing over the control of the
countries resources to the Iraqi people. The leaders at the summit also called
for settlement of crisis in Nepal and Sri Lanka through peaceful negotiations
and constitutional means. The EU warmly welcomed Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee's
extension of latest peace initiatives towards Pakistan.
- Regarding Trade and Commerce :- The leaders resolved to improve market access
and investment and promote better understanding of "Trade Defense Instruments".
They expressed their commitment towards the implementation of "Joint Initiative
for Enhancing Trade and Investment". It was also agreed to launch a "Trade and
Investment Development Programme" to enhance bilateral trade through
strengthening and simplification of regulatory regimes. The two sides set a
target of 35 billion Euros of trade flow by 2005 and also expressed their
commitment to the successful conclusion of DOHA round of negotiations.
- Regarding Galileo Programme : - The summit highlighted joint collaboration in
development of the Galileo Satellite Navigation System. Galileo is the first
satellite positioning and navigation system specifically designed for civil
purposes by the EU and European Space Agency and would be operational in 2008.
- Regarding Customs Cooperation Agreement :- An "Indo-EU Custom Cooperation
Agreement" was successfully concluded at the summit. This agreement will help
develop transparent custom procedures and provide for exchange of information
and mutual assistance in fighting custom, frauds and irregularities.
- Regarding Transport Links :- The leaders noted the successful implementation of
the "Indo - EU Civil Aviation Cooperation Project" and acknowledged the
importance of efficient transport links for growth of trade and economy. It was
also decided to ensure the early launch of negotiations for an "Indo - EU
Maritime Agreement", covering issues of interest of both sides.
- Regarding Environment Issues :- The leaders looked forward to early enforcement
of the Kyoto Protocol an reaffirmed the validity of UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change. Recalling the New Delhi declaration adopted at COP VIII, the
leaders agreed to work together for a successful outcome of COP IX.
- Regarding Information Technology :- The summit resolved to enhance bilateral
cooperation in streamlining the electronic communication services and designing
a regulatory framework for electronic commerce. The leaders agreed to jointly
support the "2004 Euro - India Cooperation Forum On The Information Society".
Parallel Business Summit:-
A parallel business summit was organized by the CII and FICII in partnership
with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, the European Employers
Federation and Confindustria of Italy; during the EU-India summit.
Sectoral sessions were held in tourism, food processing, manufacturing,
pharmaceuticals and information Technology with the aim of building synergy
between India and European industry.
At the two day summit in New Delhi, memories were still afresh of how the last
summit at Copenhagen had ended in serious differences. But this time the summit
ended with a few positive notes. The physical absence of Mr. Silvio Berlusconi
(the then head of EU) did cause a flutter on the eve of the fourth EU - India
summit, yet the summit offered an opportunity for two major international
players to exchange views on global concern. The leading industry chambers on
both sides expressed enthusiasm over enlargement of the EU which would make it
the world's largest trading block by 2004, accounting for 20% of world's trade
and contributing over 25% of the world's GDP.
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