PM Modi Welcomes EU's Join in Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative

On Friday,  Prime Minister Narendra Modi extolled the European Union for its role in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. This in turn would lead to increasing defense and security cooperation between the two regions.

The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative is an initiative launched by India in November 2019 during the East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. The initiative was conceived as a voluntary framework to promote cooperation and a rules-based order amongst nations.

"Our growing cooperation on issues related to Defence and Security, is a symbol of our mutual trust. We will take forward our cooperation on Cyber Security, Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism."

"Both sides agree on the importance of peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. We welcome the decision of the EU to join the 'Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative.' We will work together on Triangular Development projects for sustainable and inclusive development in the Indo-Pacific region and Africa," PM Modi said at the Joint Press conference with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

President Von der Leyen expressed support for defense cooperation, especially in the area of maritime security.

"Threats are evolving, becoming more sophisticated by the day. Maritime security is just as essential. The Indian Ocean is a lifeline for global trade. Ensuring its security is vital, not just for India but for the whole world. We should also explore expanding our joint naval exercises, building on our very successful operations in the Gulf of Guinea and the Red Sea," said the Commission's President in the joint press conference.

She also reiterated her commitment to strengthening cooperation in the field of undersea cable security, which is critical for data connectivity between Europe and India.

"Finally, we should deepen cooperation in protecting the cables that ensure data connectivity between India and the European Union. On defence, we see avenues for cooperation. India is looking into diversifying its military supply and access to new capabilities, so is Europe. So, both India and the European Union can be partners on this topic," read the President's statement.

PM Modi also described the strategic partnership between the two regions as "organic and natural," and noted that the anticipated Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and India is likely to be achieved by the year-end.

"We have had sincere and meaningful discussions yesterday on various issues. We have asked our teams to work on a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement and to realise it by the end of this year," PM Modi said.

PM Modi and Ursula von der Leyen held both delegation-level and bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House in Delhi today. Leyen arrived in the city on Thursday for her two-day visit to India.