India and the European Union Deepen Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
India and the European Union have pledged to strengthen their collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, aiming to tackle shared security concerns and promote regional peace and stability. This commitment was solidified during a security and defense dialogue held in Delhi, where both parties explored avenues for enhanced cooperation.
The dialogue reaffirmed their dedication to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. This order is anchored in respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, democracy, rule of law, and freedom of navigation and overflight. Both sides emphasized the significance of unimpeded lawful commerce and peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The European Union highlighted its commitment to contributing to stability, security, prosperity, and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific. This commitment aligns with the principles of democracy, rule of law, human rights, and international law. The EU envisions itself as an "intelligent facilitator" for peace and security in non-traditional security domains, working in close partnership with regional actors, primarily India.
The dialogue was accompanied by a seminar titled "The security environment in the Indo-Pacific region and the EU's role as security actor in partnership/cooperation with India." The seminar brought together security and defense experts, think tank representatives, diplomats, Indian officials, and EU member state representatives.
EU Ambassador to India, Herv Delphin, emphasized the growing importance of cooperation with Asian partners, particularly India, in the face of a volatile and unstable global environment. He stressed the EU's adaptation to this new reality by bolstering its own security and defense capabilities while collaborating with international partners to address shared security challenges and promote peace and stability.
This deepened cooperation between India and the European Union in the Indo-Pacific region signifies a shared commitment to a stable, prosperous, and secure region, built on a foundation of shared values and mutual respect.