External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the growing importance of a stronger India-EU relationship, describing it as an “important stabilizing factor” in an increasingly volatile and uncertain world. Speaking at the inaugural session of an annual seminar hosted by IIC-Bruegel, Jaishankar highlighted the need for deeper collaboration between India and the European Union, stating that the relationship between the two sides is more crucial than ever.
Without directly naming any country, Jaishankar referred to the disregard for international law in certain parts of the world, noting the significant consequences that follow such actions. He pointed out discrepancies in how different standards have been applied to issues like democracy and military rule, both in neighboring countries to the East and West of India. He emphasized the need for global principles to be universally upheld, rather than being selectively applied, especially when it comes to interfering in the domestic politics of other nations.
Jaishankar also discussed the global shifts that are underway, stressing that “we can all feel intuitively that the world is on the cusp of a big change.” He mentioned that the changes extend beyond politics, touching on energy, connectivity, mobility, and technology, all of which are set to undergo major transformations. In this context, he called for accelerated progress on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, expressing optimism about the imminent advancement of talks.
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Reflecting on the broader geopolitical landscape, Jaishankar acknowledged that the world is currently witnessing two major conflicts often presented as matters of principle. He pointed out how these principles have been applied selectively and unevenly, especially in relation to India, where aggression on its territory remains unresolved, and terrorism has been conveniently overlooked.
Jaishankar also addressed the broader issues of trade, digital technology, climate action, and geopolitics, noting that the world order is undergoing a transformation. He argued that both the economic and political logic of earlier eras needs refreshing, citing how global trade systems were seen as benefiting only a select few, leading to political backlash. This backlash, he said, can be observed in events like Brexit and the rise of nationalism in various countries, as well as the potential return of the Trump administration in the United States.
Regarding trade and geopolitics, the minister highlighted the risks posed by the over-concentration of manufacturing in a limited geography, warning that such imbalances have far-reaching consequences.
The seminar, which saw the participation of various diplomats, foreign policy experts, and former foreign secretary Shyam Saran, underscored the growing importance of India-EU ties in shaping the future of global politics and economics.
Jaishankar concluded by stressing the importance of a balanced and fair global order, noting that a deeper India-EU collaboration would be beneficial for both sides, and is expected to grow in the near future.
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