(HT)
India and the European Union (EU) reiterated their commitment to a free and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific at their second security and defence consultations, which also focused on enhancing security cooperation.
The consultations were held in New Delhi on Monday against the backdrop of China’s increasingly assertive actions across the Indo-Pacific. The EU has taken several steps in recent years to enhance its profile in the region and to forge a stronger security partnership with India, including the posting of a defence attache to India late last year.
During the security and defence consultations, co-chaired by joint secretary (international cooperation) Vishvesh Negi of the defence ministry and Joanneke Balfoort, director for security and defence policy with the European External Action Service, there was agreement on deepening security and defence cooperation, according to a readout from the EU.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, democracy, rule of law and freedom of navigation and overflight. They also supported unimpeded lawful commerce and peaceful resolution of disputes in line with international law, especially the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
