Joint  Statement issued after the 8th India - EU Annual Summit (New Delhi; 30 November 2007)

The eighth India-European Union Summit was held in Delhi on 30 November 2007. The Republic of India was represented by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister, Shri Kamal Nath, Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri M K Narayanan, National Security Adviser. The EU was represented by Mr José Sócrates, Prime Minister of Portugal, in his capacity as President of the European Council, by Mr José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, Mr Peter Mandelson, European Commissioner for Trade, and Mr João Gomes Cravinho, Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

The following message was jointly issued:

1. In the 60th year of India’s independence and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, India and the EU, as the two largest democracies of the world and global actors in a multipolar world, underscored their commitment to the Strategic Partnership launched at The Hague in November 2004. They reaffirmed that the Strategic Partnership flows from a shared conviction in the values of democracy, fundamental freedoms (including religious), pluralism, rule of law, respect for human rights and multilateralism in the international political architecture as the means to tackle global challenges effectively. They expressed their determination to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership and to cooperate at the global level for the cause of peace, security and sustainable development for all.

2. India and EU welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Country Strategy Paper for India for 2007-2010, which with a total budget of Euro 260 million, will support India’s efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and to implement the India-EU Joint Action Plan.

3. The two sides reviewed the Joint Action Plan, adopted at the sixth India-EU Summit at New Delhi in September 2005, welcomed the progress in its implementation, and looked forward to further advances. The two sides are to make an overall assessment of the Joint Action Plan in 2008 and, on this occasion, will assess ways and means of further upgrading the overall framework of EU-India relations.

4.They emphasised building on the existing bilateral cooperation programme in innovation and reduction of greenhouse gas emission, research on clean development and climate change and also on promotion of energy security and sustainable energy supply. The leaders noted with satisfaction the intensification of the dialogue at various levels between the two strategic partners as well as between India and individual EU Member States. The leaders welcomed the formation of a Delegation for Relations with India in the European Parliament. They agreed that the creation of an Indian parliamentary caucus for relations with the EU would encourage interaction between Parliamentarians from the two sides. The leaders also underlined the need to keep increasing people-to-people contacts between India and EU Member States for businesspeople, professionals and members of official delegations, as well as researchers, scientists, students, academics and civil society representatives.

5. India and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to the rules-based multilateral trading system and to a deeper level of bilateral trade relations. The successful and timely outcome of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) multilateral trade negotiations remains the foremost trade policy priority of the two sides. Both sides are determined to work closely together to ensure the successful conclusion of the DDA negotiations through a comprehensive, balanced and ambitious outcome in all areas of negotiation. Both sides agreed that development mandate of the Doha Ministerial Declaration must be honoured and reflected in the modalities being negotiated as also in the final outcome. A successful conclusion of the negotiations must yield an outcome that enhances market opening and contributes to development.

6. The leaders noted that bilateral trade and investment between India and the EU has been growing steadily and reflects the strengthening of bilateral economic ties. The sides also took note of the further work of the High Level Trade Group since the last Summit when it was decided to work towards concluding a Broad-Based Trade and Investment Agreement. India and the EU welcomed the progress achieved in the first few rounds of negotiations on the India-EU Trade and Investment Agreement and reaffirmed commitment to further intensify negotiations.

7.Both sides welcomed the India-EU Business Summit coinciding with the political dialogue. Leaders welcomed the second meeting of the EU-India CEO Round Table, which provided for useful and constructive interactions among key Business leaders from both sides. The Indian Side welcomed the proposal for creation of a European Business and Technology Centre in India, with the objective to promote private and public partnerships in specific sectors such as energy, environment, clean development and climate change.

8. The leaders reiterated their commitment to promote international peace and security. In this context the leaders highly valued the India-EU Security Dialogue, which had its second meeting in Berlin in May 2007, for exchanging views on security issues, including disarmament and non-proliferation, as well as bilateral issues of mutual concern.

9. Emphasising the paramount need for effective multilateralism and their commitment to a rules-based international order, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to intensify cooperation at the United Nations and in multilateral fora to address issues of global concern, including in the areas of human rights, development and the environment. The Summit underlined the importance of a strong, effective and efficient United Nations Organisation and the leaders also recognised the need for a comprehensive UN reform. The Summit agreed to work jointly towards strengthening the role of the UN Human Rights Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, and stressed the need to maintain momentum in the efforts to adapt the United Nations to the needs of today’s world. In this same context the leaders stressed the need for more efficient environmental activities in the UN system. They also agreed to continue to explore the possibility of a more coherent institutional framework, building on existing institutions.

10.Both sides remain committed to reinforcing cooperation within the UN Human Rights Council and enhancing their dialogue on human rights, both in a bilateral and multilateral context. Both the EU and India are committed to respecting, protecting and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as promoting good governance. The Summit leaders also stressed the importance of eliminating impunity for the perpetrators of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

11. India and the EU reaffirm their shared interest in working together as partners for disarmament and for countering the proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems. They regard proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems, particularly the risk of their falling into the hands of terrorists and other non-State actors, as a significant contemporary challenge. In this regard they emphasise the importance of full compliance by all States with their non-proliferation and disarmament obligations including through national implementation of effective export control measures as detailed in UNSC Resolution 1540. India and the EU are ready to contribute as partners to global efforts to address the proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery while preserving and promoting cooperation in peaceful uses of technology through forward looking approaches among countries committed to disarmament and non-proliferation.

12. The leaders emphasised the urgent need for the international community to promote a comprehensive peace plan for the Middle East / West Asia, with the objective of reaching comprehensive, just and durable peace and stability in the region. They reaffirmed their support for a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on existing agreements, including relevant UNSC Resolutions, the Roadmap, and the Arab League Resolution (Beirut 2002). The leaders discussed the situation in Lebanon and supported the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701 and the reinforced UNIFIL. They supported the Lebanese Government’s measures to preserve peace and stability, and to put down extremism. Leaders expressed their support for the recent international meeting, which they hope will contribute towards a comprehensive solution to the Arab Israeli conflict.

13. The leaders recognised the important efforts of both sides to support the sustainable development of Africa and to promote the integration of Africa into the world economy on fair terms for the peoples involved. Together, India and the EU recognise the importance of their participation in peacekeeping operations in Africa, including those in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Eritrea. They also recognise the importance of enhancing their cooperation to support peace and security in Africa, to prevent conflict and to assist countries emerging from conflict.

14.The leaders discussed the evolving situation in Myanmar and agreed that the process of national reconciliation and political reform should be inclusive, broad-based and taken forward expeditiously. They expressed support for the ongoing good offices of the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy to Myanmar to resolve issues peacefully through dialogue and noted the efforts of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. The leaders affirmed the need for an inclusive dialogue, including with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the Myanmar ethnic groups, to bring about genuine reconciliation and progress towards democracy.

15. India and the EU expressed the hope that Pakistan will soon return to stability and democracy.

16. India and the EU expressed their strong support for a sovereign, democratic and pluralistic Afghanistan. They reaffirmed their sustained commitment to assist the Afghan Government in the stabilisation and rebuilding of Afghanistan, working within the framework of the Afghanistan Compact. They welcomed Afghanistan joining SAARC as its eighth member at the 14th Summit held in Delhi in April 2007, and the holding of the second Regional Economic Cooperation Conference (RECC) in New Delhi in November 2006. They noted that although much has been achieved in recent years, formidable challenges still lie ahead. In this regard, they expressed concern over the security situation in Afghanistan due to the growth in terrorism and drug related activities, and the danger these developments pose. They condemned continued attacks on aid workers, and the kidnapping and killing of innocents by illegal armed groups, including the Taliban and Al Qaeda. They reiterated, in this context, that a coherent and united international commitment remains of paramount importance, and agreed to continue cooperating and coordinating their efforts to impart greater strength to this process.

17.The leaders expressed deep disappointment at the postponement of elections in Nepal. Repeated postponement of the elections erodes the credibility and affects the process of democratic transformation and legitimisation in Nepal. Early elections and a mandate from the people are essential for the peace process to stay on track. The leaders urged the Government and the political parties to honour the agreements and commitments already made to enable the people of Nepal to choose at the earliest their own future and the manner of their governance through a free and fair process, open to all without intimidation.

18. There is no military solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka. A negotiated, political settlement, acceptable to all communities within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, is the goal that all international efforts should encourage. A credible devolution package would be a major contribution to this end. The leaders urged the parties to ensure respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, and to guarantee access for humanitarian aid to the population.

19. India and the EU expressed their support for the reform process in Bangladesh, including preparations for general parliamentary elections in 2008. Both sides are mobilising significant efforts to help the country overcome recent natural disasters.

20. India welcomed the EU’s participation as an observer in the 14th SAARC Summit, held in New Delhi on 1-4 April 2007. The Summit was the first where observers were allowed into SAARC. Both sides expressed hope that this would further enhance co-operation between SAARC and the EU.

21. The EU welcomed India's participation at the ASEM meeting and reiterated its endorsement of the incorporation of India in the fold of the ASEM process of dialogue and cooperation linking EU and Asia. India noted the EU’s interest to engage in the East Asia Summit process and its intention to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).

22. India and the EU stand united in facing the scourge of terrorism, which constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. India and the EU condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purpose. Efforts to counter terrorism can only be successful with a sustained and comprehensive approach. It should be pursued in full respect of international law, in particular human rights law, refugee law and international humanitarian law. India and the EU, therefore, attach great importance to counter-terrorism cooperation in the framework of the United Nations, and share a commitment to universal ratification and full implementation of all UN counter-terrorism conventions and related protocols. The two sides expressed their commitment to work towards implementation of the UN Counter-Terrorism Strategy, including by supporting the work of the counter terrorism implementation task force. The EU and India continue to work actively towards a swift finalisation of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN. Both sides are committed to continuing their cooperation on counter-terrorism and look forward to holding the next regular India-EU consultations soon. Strengthening cooperation to combat terrorism continues to be one of the priority areas for the EU-India Strategic Partnership.

23. Both India and the EU attach high priority to tackling climate change and promoting energy security as a key to stable and sustainable development. Energy is an important area of ongoing and future policy dialogue and practical cooperation between India and the EU. The two sides noted the valuable contribution of the India-EU Energy Panel, which had its third meeting in June 2007 in Brussels. They agreed to expand the scope of the working group on Coal with alternate meetings adopting different emphasis on mining oriented and conversion technologies, including enhanced generation efficiency, carbon capture and control respectively. It was also decided to have Indian participation in the international Biofuels forum. The two sides agreed to work towards a new flagship project on R&D in solar energy. In addition, leaders agreed to enhance cooperation on energy efficiency on an international level. They also recognised the importance of improving efficiency, in particular through the adoption of collaborative approaches in energy-intensive sectors.

24. The two sides expressed their satisfaction on the entry into force of the ITER agreement on 24 October 2007 and on the first official meeting of the ITER Council on 27-28 November 2007. The EU and India have agreed to start the discussions towards the establishment of a bilateral agreement between EURATOM and India in the field of fusion energy research to complement the ITER Agreement.

25. The leaders reaffirmed that urgent action is required by all countries to address climate change, the urgency of which was confirmed by the latest findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). India and the EU are committed to the stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Such a level should be achieved within a time frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner. They believe that, in order to achieve this, global action is needed by all parties, according to their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, with developed countries taking the lead. The EU and India agreed to work together bilaterally to accelerate their countries' transitions towards a low carbon economy, eg in the context of the EU-India Joint Initiative on Clean Development and Climate Change. They agreed the importance to sustainable development of synergies between energy security, sustainable energy supply, improved air quality, innovation and action to tackle climate change. They agreed on the importance of private sector engagement and investment in tackling climate change,

26.The two sides reiterated their commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. They are committed to moving forward in the UN forum and called on all parties to actively and constructively participate in the UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) in Bali in December 2007. They also agreed that an integrated approach to climate change and energy is crucial, and particularly stressed the need to exploit the synergies between the promotion of energy security, improved air quality and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to ensure consistency between meeting the ultimate objectives of the UNFCCC and energy policy and economic growth and development goals. They emphasised the importance of a post-2012 agreement for GHG reduction commitments by developed countries in facilitating significant cost reductions of clean technologies and their transfer, deployment and dissemination, as well strengthening the global carbon market and intensifying cooperation on the adaptation to the increasing adverse impacts of climate change.

27. Recalling the importance of bilateral co-operation on global environmental challenges, including halting biodiversity loss and protection of forests, leaders agreed to step up co-operation in the run-up to the 2008 Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. They will also strengthen co-operation in other areas such as the environmentally sound management of waste, including in the preparation of the 9th Conference of the Basel Convention on hazardous waste. The EU-India Environment Forum has been a useful mechanism for the sharing of expertise among business, academia and civil society and both sides look forward to the 2008 Environment Forum on chemicals as well as working together in multilateral fora related to chemicals and cooperation between various relevant conventions.

28.The leaders agreed to develop a joint work programme covering the key areas of energy, environment, research and climate change, to promote ongoing and future co-operation in these areas of growing importance to both sides.

29.India and the EU welcomed the steps taken by the European Investment Bank in India to establish loan-based project funding under its new Asia lending mandate, and in particular with reference to the financing instrument supporting projects in the fields of energy sustainability and climate change mitigation. They encouraged closer cooperation between the EIB and its relevant counterparts in India to work towards establishing financing for specific investment projects.

30.In recognition of the critical role of science and technology in striving towards their respective knowledge-based economies, leaders expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the India-EU Ministerial Science Conference from February 7-8, 2007. Its significant recommendations were for establishment of joint nodes for networking innovation systems, efforts towards creation of joint infrastructure for advanced research and funding systems for symmetric programmes for promotion of S&T collaboration. Within the framework of the India-EU S&T Cooperation Agreement renewed today, leaders would welcome strengthened partnership initiatives such as joint projects with co-investment of resources in selected fields of mutual priority. The two sides agreed to explore bilateral cooperation on space policies and programmes including global satellite navigation.

31.Given the healthy growth and potential in two-way trade, tourism, research and student exchanges, and business between the EU and India, the leaders recognised the importance of strengthening transportation links in order to further promote and facilitate exchanges. The leaders recalled the India-EU Aviation Summit that took place in New Delhi on 23-24 November 2006, which demonstrated the growing importance of India-EU civil aviation links and the excellent collaboration between Indian and EU aviation authorities and industries in civil aviation related sectors. The leaders looked forward to the finalisation of a mutually beneficial ‘Horizontal Agreement’ between the EU and India with a sense of urgency, as well as an agreement on the priorities for a new technical cooperation programme.

32.The leaders took note of the state of negotiations for a maritime transport agreement between India and the EU and expressed support to the continuation of the negotiation process with a view to conclusion of a mutually beneficial agreement at the earliest.

33.Leaders welcomed the strengthening of the EU-India dialogue and cooperation on employment and social policy on the basis of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2006, including a first tripartite visit from India to the EU and the second EU-India seminar on employment and social policy held on 17-18 September 2007 in Lisbon, which provided a high-level policy forum for tripartite discussion on major challenges and further cooperation on social security and social protection. They highlighted the importance of the involvement of social partners in this dialogue.

34.The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral economic cooperation and took note of policy dialogues in areas of mutual interest. They noted with satisfaction the study visit carried out by experts from the European Commission and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), which has contributed to a better understanding of the Ayurveda system in order to advance the ongoing regulatory dialogue on the pharmaceutical sector.

35.The leaders expressed satisfaction at the establishment of a regular macro-economic dialogue within the broad context of EU-India economic cooperation, the first meeting of which was held in New Delhi on 12 July 2007. The leaders noted that the dialogue, would provide a forum in which both parties could discuss economic developments and policy challenges in their respective economies as well as developments in the regional and the world economy at large, and learn from each other’s experience with economic reform. Both sides reiterated their commitment to the continuation of their financial services regulatory dialogue. Recognising the benefits of closer cooperation in fostering the protection and promotion of intellectual property rights, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to develop an active dialogue in this field, including cooperation on capacity building activities, human resource development and public awareness programmes.

36.The leaders expressed their support to further enhancement of cooperation in the field of culture including through stepped up activities of organisations such as the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Indian cluster of the European Union National Institutes of Culture (EUNIC). Both sides stressed the importance of academic cooperation and in this context valued highly the exchanges under the Erasmus Mundus programme. Both sides expressed deep commitment to the preservation and fostering of cultural diversity and welcomed the ratification of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. The sides also stressed the importance of dialogue among cultures and civilisations in the new millennium. In this context, the sides reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in the field of cultural heritage, as well as programmes to promote exchanges in the arts.

37.The leaders noted the valuable contribution to bilateral relations made by the India-EU Civil Society Round Table which met most recently in Delhi in September 2007. They noted the value of enhanced participation by civil society in this forum.

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