Strengthening EU-India Relations: Ambassador Delphin Presents Credentials Amidst Key Negotiations – Defence News

In the midst of ongoing negotiations between India and the European Union related to a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, Investment Protection Agreement, and Geographical Indications, Ambassador Hervé Delphin formally presented his Letters of Credence to the President of India, Mrs. Droupadi Murmu.

On Monday five envoys of different countries including France, European Union, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Cyprus presented their credentials in a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

India-EU Relations

In his address soon after presenting his credentials at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan, Ambassador Hervé Delphin, underscored the paramount significance of the strategic partnership between the European Union and India. And emphasized that this relationship has evolved into one of the most pivotal connections established by the EU on the world stage.

The strategic ties between the two sides have expanded and deepened over the years, driven by shared goals and interests in trade, trusted technology, security, green and clean energy technologies, sustainability, security and defence, and more.

The new EU ambassador outlined an ambitious agenda to elevate this partnership to new heights, with the mission of transforming these goals into a tangible reality for the mutual benefit of Europe, India, their companies, and their people.

He also talked about his primary focus during his tenure, highlighting the key areas of concentration which include boosting economic opportunities, ensuring the resilience of supply chains, and facilitating a swift transition towards green and digital technologies.

“Today, the EU and India are trusted partners and friends, with strong bilateral cooperation,” he stated.

India-EU FTA

Highlighting the significance of the negotiations on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement and Investment Protection Agreement, as well as Geographical Indications, Ambassador Delphin stressed that these elements are crucial for unlocking the full economic potential of the EU-India relationship.

The EU currently ranks as India’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for €120 billion worth of trade in goods in 2022, constituting 10.8 percent of India’s total trade. Conversely, India stands as the EU’s tenth-largest trading partner, contributing 2 percent to the EU’s total trade in goods. Furthermore, trade in services between the EU and India exceeded €45 billion in 2022, with the EU being one of the largest investors in India.

The EU-India Connectivity Partnership and its flagship program, the Global Gateway, serve as critical initiatives to bolster connectivity infrastructure at bilateral, regional, and global levels. This endeavour aims to stimulate development, sustainable growth, and the diversification of supply chains while improving access to goods, energy, and data for citizens and businesses. Notably, the recently signed India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which includes the involvement of the EU, France, Germany, Italy, India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, represents a generational project that promises to create additional economic opportunities.

In the sphere of security and defence cooperation, the EU and India have made significant strides in recent years, particularly in areas such as counter-terrorism, cyber security, and maritime security. Ambassador Delphin highlighted the Indo-Pacific and the Indian Ocean as pivotal regions where this cooperation can have a substantial impact.

Ambassador Delphin also conveyed his mandate from Brussels to unlock the full potential of the EU-India partnership, emphasizing the mutual gains that both entities can derive from one another. He reiterated the significance of their shared democratic values and principles as the fertile ground upon which this relationship thrives. He stressed the importance of nurturing and fostering these commonalities to continue to build upon their robust partnership.

About the new EU ambassador

With an illustrious career spanning three decades within the EU, Hervé Delphin brings a wealth of experience in foreign policy and international relations to his role as Ambassador to India. Prior to his appointment in India, he held key positions within the European Diplomatic Service, including heading the policy planning department and serving as Acting Director of Strategic Communications and Foresight. His previous roles also encompassed overseeing EU humanitarian and emergency responses to major crises in the European Neighbourhood and the Middle East.

A French national, Ambassador Delphin was bestowed with the prestigious title of “Knight of the Legion of Honour,” the highest French National Order, in 2014. His academic background includes a double Master’s degree in Political Sciences and Contemporary History from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques and a Master’s degree in European Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges. These accolades and his vast experience exemplify his qualification for the role and his commitment to strengthening the EU-India partnership.