Trump’s Russia-Ukraine policy hangs over EU-India talks

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Historic Visit by EU Leaders

• This is an unprecedented visit, as the EU has never sent such a large delegation to any country before.

• The visit aims to strengthen EU-India ties, especially amid shifts in U.S. foreign policy.

Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict

• The visit comes shortly after the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

• The EU recently imposed its 16th round of sanctions on Russia.

• However, the U.S. has taken a different stance by voting against an EU resolution at the United Nations.

• The EU is expected to discuss its continued support for Ukraine and the enforcement of sanctions against Russia.

India’s Position on Russia

• India has rejected all sanctions against Russia and significantly increased its oil imports from the country since 2022.

• New Delhi is unlikely to change its position, despite global pressure.

• This visit is expected to focus on EU-India bilateral ties rather than disagreements over Russia.

Revival of EU-India Ties

• There has been no annual EU-India summit since 2020, though a ‘Leader’s Summit’ was held in 2021.

• Both sides are preparing for a major summit in 2025.

• Talks on the EU-India Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), restarted in 2022, have seen little progress.

• Key trade issues include tariffs on cars, wine, and spirits, along with non-tariff barriers.

Focus on Trade and Technology Cooperation

• The visit begins with a Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting.

• Key areas of discussion include AI policies, semiconductors, quantum computing, and green technology.

• The EU-India Strategic Roadmap (2020-2025) will also be updated, with a focus on cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

• Indian ministers, industry leaders, and EU officials will hold meetings to push forward economic and strategic partnerships.