06 May 2022 PM’s visit to Europe
PM’s visit to Europe – Today Current Affairs
- The Prime Minister of India is on a visit to three European countries – Germany, Denmark and France. His foreign visit comes at a time when Europe is witnessing the Russo-Ukraine war.
- The visit of the Indian Prime Minister highlights the importance India attaches to its relations with Europe.
Importance of Travel:
India-Germany Relations:
Today Current Affairs
Background:
- Germany is one of India’s most important partners in Europe, with deep bilateral ties and an important role in the European Union.
- India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Federal Republic of Germany after World War II (WWII).
- India and Germany have a ‘Strategic Partnership’ since May 2000 and have been strengthened in 2011 with the launch of Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) at the level of Heads of Government.
- India is one of the few countries with which Germany has a dialogue system.
Importance : The Hindu Analysis
- Germany has become an important strategic choice in the Russo-Ukraine War.
- It has decided to increase defense spending along with reducing its energy dependence on Russia, an important step in view of the situation after World War II.
- India is also dependent on Russia for defense supplies, so it will be important for India and Germany to exchange notes on strategic options and move away from Russia for their respective needs.
India-Denmark Relations:
Background : The Hindu Analysis
- The bilateral ties were elevated to the level of “Green Strategic Partnership” during the virtual summit held in September 2020.
- The first India-Nordic summit to explore new areas of cooperation was held in April 2018.
- This cooperation is important because the Nordic countries – Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland have such cooperation only with the US.
Importance : The Hindu Analysis
- The Nordic countries are leaders in innovation, clean energy, green technology, education, health care, human rights and the rule of law. Cooperation with these countries presents a huge opportunity for India to expand its strength.
- Also India presents opportunities for these countries due to its large market.
- Several new flagship schemes have been launched by India in which Nordic countries can actively participate and provide their expertise. Like Make in India, Smart Cities Mission, Start-up India, Clean Ganga etc.
Indo-French Relations:
Background : The Hindu Analysis
- India and France have traditionally had close ties.
- In 1998, the two launched a strategic partnership, which had pillars of defense and security cooperation, space cooperation and civil nuclear cooperation.
- India and France have a strong economic partnership and are increasingly engaging in new areas of cooperation. Today Current Affairs
- France was also one of the few western countries that did not condemn India after the Pokhran trials of 1998.
- It continues to support India’s claim for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.
- France’s support was crucial in India’s entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Australia Group.
- France continues to support India to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
- France has also supported India’s requests to block Pakistan’s efforts to enlist Indian citizens under the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee.
Importance : The Hindu Analysis
- Common interests in the Indian Ocean: France needs to protect its colonial territorial assets, such as the Reunion Islands and the Indian Ocean being a sphere of influence for India.
- Counter-terrorism: France has supported India’s proposal for a global conference on terrorism.
- Both countries also support the holding of a new “No Money for Terror”- An International Conference on Fighting Terrorist Financing.
- India’s support by France: France has consistently supported India on Kashmir, while its relations with Pakistan have seen a decline in recent times and have skeptical relations with China.
- Defense Cooperation: India and France have entered a phase of close defense partnership. For example, recently the multi-role fighter class aircraft of France’s Rafale has been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
India-Europe Relations:
Background : The Hindu Analysis
- India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the European Economic Community in 1962.
- A cooperation agreement signed in 1994 further broadened the relationship by including ministerial-level meetings and political dialogues.
- These ties have been expanded to include political and security issues, climate change and clean energy, information and communication technology, space and nuclear, health, agriculture and food security, education and culture.
Importance of Travel : The Hindu Analysis
- The visit to Europe is expected to set the stage for the India-EU summit and boost free trade agreement talks, which have been going on for the past decade and a half.
In this article we mention all information about PM’s visit to Europe Today Current Affairs.
yojna ias daily current affairs 06 May 2022
No Comments