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An Alliance of Democracies, With India at Its Core

17-01-2025

05:23 AM

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1 min read
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Context

  • The year 2024, marked by critical elections worldwide, set the stage for 2025 to become a pivotal moment for democracies to regroup and strengthen their alliances.
  • Among these, the relationship between Europe and India stands out as an essential partnership that has long been rich in strategies but poor in tangible outcomes.
  • Both entities must seize the opportunity to redefine their collaboration, focusing on practical measures that align economic, technological, and security interests.

The First Step Towards Redefining EU-India Relations

  • Moving Beyond Trade Negotiations
    • For nearly two decades, EU-India relations have been primarily defined by the pursuit of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with little progress to show.
    • While such an agreement between the world’s largest democracy and the EU, the largest trading bloc, could be transformative, hurdles persist.
    • The focus must shift from the technicalities of trade negotiations to higher-level strategic priorities.
    • These include economic security, defence cooperation, and partnerships in emerging technology and critical industries like pharmaceuticals and space exploration.
  • A Shared Understanding of Geopolitical Realities
    • India's historical ties with Russia and pragmatic engagement with China have often frustrated Europe, especially in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    • However, India's approach reflects its broader aim to avoid being drawn into the binary division of democratic versus autocratic blocs.
    • While its democratic foundations make its alignment with Moscow and Beijing seem incongruous, Europe must acknowledge its own double standards, particularly its economic reliance on China.
    • A reset in EU-India relations requires a shared understanding of the challenges posed by the Russia-China partnership.
    • Both are strategic threats to the global democratic order, making it imperative for India, Europe, and the United States to align their priorities.
    • Recognising the interconnectedness of events in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, Europe and India must take concrete steps to enhance trade and security while reducing dependence on China.

Some Other Crucial Areas for India-EU Cooperation

  • Strengthening Defence and Security
    • India’s strong defence ties with the United States, particularly as a ‘Major Defence Partner’ and member of the Quad, provide a model for Europe.
    • The EU should enhance its own defence collaboration with India, offering advanced technologies and investments in place of Russia’s outdated options.
    • Appointing a dedicated EU Defence Commissioner to engage with India could accelerate progress in this domain.
    • Space exploration is another area of potential cooperation, given the ambitious plans of both the EU and India.
    • By developing joint ventures and shared investments in this field, the partnership can achieve significant breakthroughs, further solidifying their strategic alignment.
  • Leveraging Technology Collaboration
    • The establishment of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) mirrors similar initiatives with the United States, such as the U.S.-India Critical and Emerging Technology initiative (iCET).
    • These frameworks are essential for coordinating technology agendas and tackling global challenges, particularly in emerging technologies like quantum computing and advanced biotech.
    • The competition in these sectors is intense, with China leading in 57 of the top 64 emerging technologies, according to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
    • India and Europe, alongside the U.S., must pool resources and expertise to maintain their competitive edge.
    • By focusing on collaborative research and innovation, these democratic partners can position themselves as global leaders in critical technologies. 

The Way Forward to a Robust EU-India Partnership

  • Strengthening Economic Ties
    • The economic potential of an EU-India partnership is immenseIndia is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy in the next decade, offering a dynamic market for European businesses seeking growth beyond their borders.
    • Conversely, Europe’s advanced industrial capabilities and access to cutting-edge technology provide India with opportunities to modernise its economy and industries.
    • To facilitate these opportunities, both parties must break down barriers to trade and investment.
    • The EU and India should prioritise sectors with mutual benefits, such as green energy, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation.
  • Deepening Cultural and Educational Exchanges
    • Europe and India must enhance cultural, academic, and professional exchanges to build trust and mutual understanding.
    • Programs that promote student and faculty exchanges between European and Indian universities can create a generation of leaders with firsthand knowledge of both regions.
    • Similarly, professional training programs and labour mobility agreements can address skills gaps in Europe while providing employment opportunities for India’s vast pool of talented professionals.
    • Facilitating visa access and streamlining processes for work and study permits will further encourage these exchanges.
  • Enhancing Collaboration on Global Challenges
    • The EU and India share common concerns about climate change, public health, and global security, making collaboration on these issues a practical necessity.
    • For example, joint initiatives in renewable energy development can help accelerate the transition to a green economy.
    • Europe’s leadership in clean technologies, coupled with India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, offers a perfect opportunity for collaboration.
    • In public health, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of global partnerships in developing and distributing vaccines.
    • India, as a pharmaceutical manufacturing powerhouse, and Europe, with its strong research and regulatory infrastructure, can work together to improve global health security.
  • Creating a Model Partnership
    • The ultimate goal of building practical connections is to create a model partnership that other democracies can emulate.
    • By demonstrating how regions with different historical and cultural contexts can work together effectively, Europe and India can inspire other nations to forge similar alliances.
    • In this effort, both sides must commit to regular engagement at all levels—political, economic, and social.
    • High-level summits, business forums, and cultural festivals should be complemented by grassroots initiatives that connect communities and individuals.
    • This multi-level approach will ensure that the EU-India partnership is not just a strategic alliance but a living, dynamic relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared aspirations.
  • Bridging Democratic Challenges
    • Both Europe and India face challenges in maintaining and strengthening their democratic institutions.
    • By working together, they can learn from each other’s experiences and develop strategies to address issues like polarization, misinformation, and the erosion of civil liberties.
    • Forums for democratic dialogue, including joint research initiatives and policy workshops, can create mutual learning and innovation in democratic governance.

Conclusion

  • Europe, India, and the United States are individually influential, but their collective power is unparalleled in countering autocratic forces.
  • By prioritising strategic cooperation in defence, technology, and economic security, the EU-India partnership can evolve into a cornerstone of global democratic stability.
  • This is not just a necessity for these regions but a vital step in shaping a future where democracies lead the way.

Q) Why is building practical connections between Europe and India crucial for their partnership?

Building practical connections is essential because it transforms strategic dialogues into tangible outcomes that benefit both societies. By enhancing trade, fostering cultural and educational exchanges, and addressing global challenges like climate change and public health, the EU and India can strengthen mutual trust, boost economic growth, and create a model partnership for democratic cooperation.

Q) What specific areas can Europe and India collaborate on to deepen their relationship?

Europe and India can collaborate in several key areas, including renewable energy development, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, critical technologies, and sustainable infrastructure. Additionally, enhancing people-to-people ties through academic and cultural exchanges, and working together on global issues like climate change and resilient supply chains, can further solidify their partnership. 

Source:The Hindu