Economy - published on 10 May 2021
Source: European Commission press office
On the occasion of the EU-India Leaders’ Meeting in Porto and via video conference, the EU and India have concluded a comprehensive
Connectivity Partnership, confirming their commitment to collaborate on supporting resilient and sustainable connectivity both in India and in third countries and regions, including Africa,
Central Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: This partnership, concluded today between the EU and India in the presence of our 27 Member States,
begins a new chapter in our relations. While the coronavirus still causes terrible devastation, we must also focus on building back better. This Connectivity Partnership will guide our actions
over the coming years, providing for joint efforts in creating a greener, more inclusive and prosperous future for the EU, India, and in regions around the world.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, said: There are rival models for development,
infrastructure, trade and governance. The European Union is the most integrated region in the world, and we are proud of the way in which we have enhanced the lives of European citizens with an
approach founded on international standards, sustainability and common rules. It provides for stability, financial and environmental responsibility, and brings direct benefits to the populations
involved. India shares our vision, and we are looking forward to working together not just in our respective countries but also elsewhere, to help shape the world of tomorrow.
The EU-India Connectivity Partnership covers cooperation in the digital, energy, transport, and people-to-people sectors. It is fundamentally rooted in support for the twin digital and green
transitions, adherence to and development of international standards, as well as the shared norms and values of social, environmental, economic and fiscal sustainability and level playing field.
A full press
release and a factsheet
on the Connectivity Partnership are available online. See also the EU-India Leaders’ Meeting website,
Joint Summit Statement and a related factsheet.
