NEW DELHI: The European Union is exploring a safety and defence partnership with India, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen mentioned on Friday (Feb 28) earlier than assembly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Von der Leyen arrived in India on Thursday for a two-day go to along with her school of commissioners searching for to hedge in opposition to souring relations with its conventional ally, the US.
The delegation goals to deepen its diplomatic and commerce ties with the world’s fifth-largest economic system after US President Donald Trump introduced a slew of tariffs in opposition to each mates and foes.
The EU additionally hopes to search out widespread floor with India on their shared considerations over China’s growing influence in the Asia-Pacific, constructing resilient provide chains, and the governance of latest applied sciences together with synthetic intelligence.
“I can announce that we’re exploring a future Safety and Defence Partnership with India within the mould of the partnerships we now have with Japan and South Korea,” the EU chief mentioned in a public speech within the Indian capital on Friday.
“It will assist us step up our work to counter widespread threats, whether or not on cross-border terrorism, maritime safety threats, cyber-attacks or the brand new phenomenon we see: assaults on our crucial infrastructure,” she added.
