EU, India cement strategic ties

[bemildred]

BUCHAREST - India's global significance received a major boost from the European Union this week with the signing of a broad "strategic partnership" agreement, a deal that will substantially tighten economic and political ties between the two sides, including the promotion of stability on the Asian subcontinent, United Nations reforms, proliferation and, of course, the fight against terrorism.

In a joint press statement issued in The Hague on Monday after the fifth India-EU Summit between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the EU team led by European Council President and Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, the two sides unequivocally condemned all forms of terrorism and outlined a five-point action plan to combat the scourge of terrorism and resolved to enhance collective action to fight the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

As part of the action plan, the two sides will seek to step up international efforts to combat terrorism, reduce the access of terrorists to financial and other economic resources, ensure effective systems of border control, address issues that create an environment conducive to terrorism, and explore ways to strengthen counter-terrorism dialogue by covering other security-related issues. "The fight against terrorism must be carried out in full respect of human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law," with both sides continuing to "support the work of the United Nations to ensure universal adherence to, and full implementation of, all UN Security Council resolutions", including the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, sponsored by India in the UN, the statement said.

India and the EU would also set up a mechanism for a dialogue on disarmament and non-proliferation to signal their new strategic partnership. The agreement says that disarmament and non-proliferation are articles of faith for both sides despite differences in approach. "India and EU are resolved to be partners in promoting global peace and security and remain committed to the goal of universal disarmament." The two sides call for effective control measures for dual-use goods - used for civilian and military purposes - which can play an important role in preventing proliferation.

Asia Times

[AlamoDemoc]

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