India, EU hold 5th round of policy talks

At the 5th round of the Foreign and Security Policy Consultations between India and the European Union held in Delhi, both sides concurred that the International Solar Alliance (ISA) presented new opportunities to further strengthen clean energy and climate partnership.

EU expressed its desire to support initiatives of ISA, including through the European Investment Bank. They also expressed their interest in leveraging the ISA platform in collaboration with India for developing renewable energy capacities in solar rich countries.

The Indian side was led by Ruchi Ghanashyam, Secretary (West), while the EU side was led by Jean-Christophe Belliard, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs, European External Action Service. The two sides reviewed the entire gamut of India-EU strategic partnership and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in political, economic, and security areas ahead of the India-EU summit expected to be held later this year.

Strongly condemning the recent terror attacks in Barcelona, India and EU called for enhancing cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Cyber security and maritime threats were also discussed. The two sides exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and reiterated their respective commitments to promoting and protecting a rules-based international order.