Prez Kovind calls for strengthening Indoeu relations

NEW DELHI: Addressing the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy in Athens, President Ram Nath Kovind laid out a vision that India and the EU could work together on.

“India is committed to an international order marked by robust, rules-based multi-lateral institutions, by multi-polarity in international governance, and by investmentandconnectivityprojects that are viable, sustainable, respect the sovereignty and territory of nations”, he said.

His remarks on connectivity summed up India’s objection to China’s One Belt One Road project, a key part of which passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

“This is the type of world India wants to hold up as a pillar of stability, and as a growing provider of developmental assistance to friendly countries. I am sure this is the type of world that Europe wants to nurture as well”, President Kovind said.

“India and the EU are united in their commitment to the 2015 Paris Agreement. Addressing climate change and ensuring secure, affordable and sustainable supplies of energy are our priorities,” the President said.

Talking about terrorism, he said “Pockets of instability and extremism can be found in the region to your east and our west. They are a worry for both Europe and India. Promotion of terrorism by state and non-state actors; extremism in a variety of forms and rooted in sense-less hate”, he said. He added India and the EU should prevail over the world to strengthen multi-lateral platforms such as the financial action task force.

He said in India’s world view peace is not just “as the absence of conflict but as a reflection of sustainable development” and of any effort “that anticipates and prevents strife and suffering.”