Context:
Leading India-EU Ties into the Future “In this new normal of multiple conflicts around the world and competition in all ways, trusted friends are an essential ingredient,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Key Highlights
- An important dialogue between India and itself exists
- The talks held in consonance with the
- This coincides with U.S. Russia peace talks on Ukraine and tensions continuing in Bangladesh, with the EU laying an active hand in its support for the popular democracy.
Human Rights are also EU Issues
- View of the EU Parliament on India
- EU has raised valid concerns over human rights, especially in India with regards to freedom of speech and minority rights.
- Claudio Francavilla (Human Rights Watch) asked the EU to sharpen its position on the so called crackdowns on dissent and minorities under PM Modi.
- Manipur Issue
- The European Parliament condemned the ethnic violence in Manipur (a Meitei versus Kuki Zo conflict).
- India rejected the EU comments as intrusion, asserting that Manipur was an internal matter.
- The Indian officials are ready to repeat this position again if the matter is discussed.
- Bangladesh Factor and Regional Stability
- EU Concern about Democ Bangladesh might see a conversation about EU concerns over democracy and minority rights.
- The EU has been a significant flagbearer of free elections and human rights in the region.
Dialogue may also extend to India’s role in Bangladesh’s steadfastness, especially considering the closeness with Dhaka.
Strategic vs Rights Based India EU Approach Growth
- The rapprochement between India and EU is increasing, including on trade, security, and geopolitical cooperation.
- Remaining points of eminence are those of human rights about which India maintains that such issues should be kept beyond scrutiny from foreign governments.
- This little twist in the Bangladesh pot plunges discussions into another layer with EU calling for the cause democratization in South Asia.
