The European Union (EU) has unveiled a 'strategy paper' to expand ties with India in several key areas including trade, investment, infrastructure, defence and security, blue economy and environment. This strategy paper replaces a similar document issued in 2004.
The strategy paper also illustrates a very important fact that India is on the top of European Union agenda in the field of external relations. It lays the foundation to take the relationship to the next level, besides seeking to work together for a rules-based international order as well as to jointly deal with pressing regional and global challenges.
As per the strategy paper, the EU has an interest in strengthening its political, economic and defence cooperation with India as a strong partnership with New Delhi was key for a balanced EU policy towards Asia as a whole.