India-EU discuss promoting connectivity projects in third geographies

The first Ministerial meeting of India – EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) saw the two sides discuss several strategic issues including promoting connectivity projects in third geographies.

The meeting was jointly co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar from the Indian side. It was co–chaired on the European side by Executive Vice Presidents Valdis Dombrovskis and Margerethe Vestager.

The Ministers reviewed the progress in the three Working Groups of TTC and provided guidance on their future course. Both sides had in-depth discussions on a range of issues including semiconductors, high performance computing, digital public infrastructures, clean energy technologies and supply chain resilience, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday (May 17, 2023).

"The Ministers also exchanged views on strategic issues of significance like economic security and promoting connectivity projects in third geographies, including agreeing to identify projects for joint implementation," the MEA said.

Both sides have agreed to hold the next meeting of the TTC in India at an early date.

The India-EU TTC was set up pursuant to a decision taken in the meeting between PM Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen in April 2022.

The TTC aims to provide political leadership and ensure strategic focus in the partnership. It will enable both sides to respond to contemporary developments, encourage resilient and reliable supply chains and promote digital trust and transparency.

Earlier, the three Ministers jointly met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and had comprehensive discussions on India – EU bilateral issues covering trade, economy, security, and strategic issues. "They agreed to make the TTC a platform to guide the relationship to face new geopolitical challenges and derisk the global economy. They discussed the need to work together for successful conclusion of India’s G-20 Presidency," the MEA said.

During the visit, the three Ministers also met Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo. The meeting saw extensive discussions on various issues, including India’s ongoing Presidency of G20, the upcoming Belgium Presidency of the Council of European Union, progress in the India-EU FTA negotiations and other regional and global issues of bilateral interest.