AI AND DEFENCE
Trump feted Modi in Washington vowing to ramp up trade this month, but India is also seeking renewed relationships elsewhere as a “hedge against a newly capricious America”, said Crabtree.
The European Commission’s trip comes hard on the heels of a visit by British trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds aimed at restarting stalled trade negotiations.
“In the shadow of US tariff, India back to table for trade talks with UK, EU”, a headline in The Indian Express daily read on Tuesday.
One of the biggest challenges for New Delhi in recent years has been creating millions of new jobs for its young and rapidly expanding skilled workforce.
India’s government has for years also pushed for Europe to grant quicker visas for its businesses and students.
Cooperation on technology and artificial intelligence, where Europe and India are eager to play a larger role, will also be on the table.
So will security and defence, the EU diplomat said, adding Brussels was eager to “join forces” with New Delhi. The supply of defence equipment, enforcement of EU sanctions against Russia and peace talks over Ukraine were likely to be discussed.
India has long pursued a policy of strategic autonomy in foreign affairs.
Historically close to Russia, its traditional supplier of military hardware, it has resisted Western pressure to distance itself from Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.
The commission’s visit is not expected to result in the signing of any deal, but should pave the way for an EU-India summit to be held in India later this year.
