The representatives of the European Union and India met in hybrid format on 8th May. The summit has highlighted shared interests, freedom, and values of democracy, which underpin strategic partnership between two major economic regions. The India-European Union collaboration on sustainable connectivity involves cooperation on building strong and sustainable connectivity both, in India and other regions such as Africa, Central Asia, and other Indo-Pacific countries.
For India, the cooperation with European Union (EU) and its member countries entail strengthening a digital collaboration by enhancing cooperation and partnership in digital connectivity via satellite networks and submarine cables. India is now focusing on the launch of 5G in the country and administration, and has already allowed many telecom service providers to conduct trials for the application of 5G technology in India. India has restricted many Chinese firms such as ZTE and Huawei from the 5G setup in the country. India has the second-highest number of internet users in the world and hence it is one of the key markets for major telecom service providers. The inclusion of 5G technology in a joint document with the European Union shows that India may be considering European technology firms for collaboration and investment for faster rollout of 5G service in India.
The digital connectivity collaboration is also aimed at building a joint vision which includes open, more secure, and interoperable access to cloud services, which should remain sustainable and environment-friendly for all. It also includes joint efforts to reduce the network risk and the promotion of an open, stable, free, and secure cyberspace in the future. The roadmap also accounts for creating a healthy environment for increasing the investment in digital infrastructure between India and members of the European Union. The partnership between the two sides is also focused on enhancing convergence between the regulatory framework to ensure a high level of protection of personal data and complete privacy which is important for settling global standards.
The key point of discussion is data protection and privacy, which acts as one of the stumbling blocks in the talks between India and the EU. The digital connectivity partnership is to increase cooperation between Indian and European space agencies to develop common satellite-based emergency warning services. According to the statement released by EU, Ursula von der Layen, President of the European Commission has hailed the connectivity partnership as a new chapter in ties between two sides for creating a greener, more prosperous, and inclusive future for both EU and India. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell has mentioned the rival models for development, infrastructure, trade, and governance.
The India-EU deal is the second such partnership to be conducted by the EU after the one with Japan in 2019. In the energy sector, the main focus by New Delhi is on the implementation of the EU-India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership. India is boosting the public and private sector activities on floating solar panels, offshore wind energy storage to ramp up the clean energy production in the country, which is in line with India’s goal to produce 40% renewable energy by 2040. The sustainable partnership between the two sides is reflecting the commitments of both sides to ensure a common playing field for the companies of both sides and reciprocal access to markets.
