EU will emerge as more resilient union post-Brexit: India

As the world grapples with the effects of Brexit on both the global economy and polity, India has said that it was confident that the European Union will not only rise to the current challenges but will rise above them to forge a more resilient union.
"The EU is currently grappling with multiple issues - a slow paced economy, a daunting refugee crisis with its attendant anti-immigrant and protectionist impulses and the recent shock of Brexit," Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said here yesterday.
Addressing a meeting on 'What next for EU-India Relations?', he said that history has shown that each time the EU has been faced with a crisis, it has only emerged stronger.

"I am confident that the EU will not only rise to the current challenges but will rise above them to forge a more resilient union," the minister added, referring to the June 23 referendum in which Britain voted to leave the EU.
Noting that the EU has emerged as a key international partner for India, he said that it's India's largest trade partner and export destination with the country's total trade touching USD 126 billion.
"We are now working together to translate our ambitious targets for enhanced collaboration in a range of key areas, including security, counter-terrorism, trade and investment, energy, science and technology, health, water and stepped-up mobility for legitimate travellers," he said.

The minister said that the EU and its Member States are actively collaborating with India in its ambitious flagship initiatives - whether it is building Smart Cities in India, creating a Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Start Up India, Maritime India or the Clean Ganga initiative.

"The scale and scope of our agenda for transformation is massive and so are the economic and strategic opportunities for those who are willing to bet on India. With the EU and European companies stepping in to partner us in this daunting yet exciting endeavour, I am confident that we will successfully tap into our complementary needs and strengths to create a mutually beneficial partnership with shared stakes that is invested in a better future for our people," he added.

He said that the European Union could clearly benefit by drawing upon the services of India's young workers and professionals, who are acknowledged the world over for their scientific, engineering and managerial skills, work ethic and ability to integrate smoothly in all societies.
Underlining that the two sides need to do more together in the area of counter-terrorism and security, Singh said, "We need to cooperate more robustly not only at the bilateral and operational levels, but also in putting in place a much-needed counter-terrorism global policy framework at the UN, beginning with a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that does not distinguish between 'good' and 'bad' terrorists.