The Hindu : Opinion / Leader Page Articles : E.U.-India partnership

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Thursday, Jun 17, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Leader Page Articles

E.U.-India partnership

By Chris Patten

Much more could be done to tap the full potential of the E.U. and India's trade and investment relationship.

IT HAS long been my ambition that before stepping down as European Commissioner for External Relations, I should see the European Union's relationship with India put on a footing that properly reflects the importance and ambitions of these two emerging global actors. Yesterday, the European Commission has set out proposals for just that.

In a Communication to the 25 countries of the E.U. and the European Parliament, we suggest a host of ways in which the E.U. and India could step up political, economic, social and cultural cooperation in order to give our relations greater clarity, strategic edge and purpose. For too long, this partnership has been undershooting its potential. It's time to put that right, and I very much hope India will respond with suggestions of her own.

In this increasingly interconnected world, the E.U. and India face common challenges and opportunities. These two giants of democracy often have a similar take on the problems that face us all. How much greater would our leverage be in the world, if we joined forces more consistently and voiced our shared views jointly more often?

We are not starting from zero. Every reader knows our shared historical ties, and we all benefit from the very healthy trade relationship between India and the E.U. We also share a deep commitment to democracy as India's recent elections have once again amply demonstrated. But there is so much more that we can do together, if we so choose.

Firstly, while trade has been, and continues to be, central to our relations, both the E.U. and India are learning to flex their muscles on wider issues promoting peace and security in our own immediate neighbourhoods and further afield. We could be even more effective if we systematically consulted each other and worked together to promote multilateralism and the role of the United Nations. We can only gain by strengthening our cooperation in conflict prevention and post-conflict reconstruction, and in addressing global concerns such as non-proliferation and terrorism. Why not develop joint training for the civilian components of peace-keeping missions? Certainly, the E.U. and India should step up discussions on human rights and democracy, bilaterally and internationally.

In our own regions we are each important players. The E.U. has applauded the thaw in India-Pakistan relations and congratulates India's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on the commitments they have made to the `composite dialogue'. The E.U., which was created to bring about peace between warring neighbours, has a lot of experience to offer, and we would be happy to support Indian efforts for the development of South Asia, not least the proposed South Asian Free Trade Association. We recognise the pivotal role that India plays in the region, and would welcome the chance to cooperate even more closely in the areas where the E.U. is contributing to peace and reconstruction, such as in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

The E.U. and India share a vision of prosperity for all created through free and fair markets. One can only be impressed by the levels of growth that India has already achieved. As like-minded partners, we could help each other balance much-needed economic reform with support for those who fail to jump aboard the economic growth train. Much more could be done to tap the full potential of the E.U. and India's trade and investment relationship. We need to try harder to reach agreement on key issues in the WTO Doha Development Agenda, encourage our businesses to forge yet more links, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as information technology, environment, transport, energy, research, biotechnology or space.

Boosting trade is a key element in any country's development strategy, but as the election result showed it is also important to recognise that the benefits of economic growth can be slow to trickle down to the poorest and most marginalised in society. The new Government's commitment to vigorously pursue the fight against poverty is therefore very welcome. The E.U., as the world's largest donor, will continue to work closely with India to meet the Millennium Development Goals and we hope our cooperation can be strengthened in other areas too. For example, India might find it helpful to hear our insights into tackling social and economic cohesion, which has been a cornerstone of joint E.U. action over many years with notable success stories such as Ireland.

Last, but certainly not least, we should do more to bring our people closer. Although India already enjoys close ties with some E.U. member-states, we should promote mutual understanding across all countries and sections of society. Understanding each other better, our similarities and differences, is a vital part of a maturing relationship. I am therefore, particularly pleased about a planned E.U. university scholarship programme for India. Nothing does so much to promote a real appreciation of another culture as the experience of having lived and studied abroad. The countries of the E.U. and India in all their diversity should welcome each other with open arms.

I very much look forward to reactions from interested parties — governments, business and civil society — to these and all the ideas in our Communication. Above all, I hope to hear India's own suggestions so that we can together — truly — reach our full potential.

(The author is the European Commissioner for External Relations.)

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