Expressing concerns over the continuing restrictions on mobility and communications in Kashmir, the European Union asked India to restore normalcy there. Speaking to journalists in his first media interaction, new EU envoy, Ugo Astuto said the EU's position on Kashmir was "unchanged" - "India must take steps to restore normalcy and rights and freedoms of the people, while understanding India's security concerns."
Responding to questions about the EU's response to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), he said that the structure of equality was enshrined in the Indian Constitution. "We share this idea and hope it would be upheld." On cross-border terrorism, he said Pakistan must take action against militants and terrorists operating from its soil. The European Union is concerned over the situation in Kashmir and it is important to restore the freedom of movement and normalcy there, Ugo Astuto said. The ambassador also said that the visit to Kashmir by the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) was not "an expression of EU's policy decision".
The quality of the strategic partnership has improved significantly, Astuto said. Based on shared principles, EU and India are working on a growth agenda that takes off from the democratic foundations of both sides. "We believe in multilateral relationships. With India, we hope we can make a difference." From a focus on economic engagement India and the EU are working on their growing convergence in political and security issues. Connectivity is a big area of focus, he said, where EU and India agreed on three fundamental principles that connectivity projects should be "fiscally sustainable, Transparent and inclusive."
Climate change has emerged as a new priority area. With a new Green Deal, Astuto said India and EU can provide leadership. "There used to be a dilemma between growth and environment. We're now looking at growth through the environment." The common areas of work are green energy sources and disaster-resilient infrastructure. During the recently concluded UN General Assembly session, India had proposed a multilateral group to devise disaster-resilient infrastructure which would help countries facing extreme weather conditions as a result of climate change. India and EU also signed up to a new group on multilateralism. Nevertheless, the economic agenda will dominate, particularly as India and EU seek to close a bilateral investment agreement in anticipation of renewing negotiations on a trade deal.
