Brussels: The European Union (EU) and India jointly called for the full respect of international law in the Gaza Strip, underscoring the urgent necessity to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure the immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to affected civilians. This call to action was made during the first EU-India Strategic Dialogue held in Brussels, attended by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and India's Minister of Foreign Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. According to Kuwait News Agency, both parties also condemned the recent terrorist attack in the Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in several casualties. They reiterated that every nation, including India, has the right and responsibility to protect its citizens from terrorism. They announced plans to hold a dedicated counterterrorism dialogue later in the year. The dialogue also addressed the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, with both sides emphasizing the need for a compre hensive, just, and lasting peace in alignment with international law and the UN Charter. This reflects a shared concern for maintaining global stability and peace. In terms of maritime security, the EU and India acknowledged the enhanced cooperation in the Indian Ocean, citing operational arrangements between the EU Naval Force missions-ATALANTA and ASPIDES-and the Indian Navy. They agreed to initiate a comprehensive dialogue on space, with the inaugural session anticipated in the last quarter of 2025. Both parties affirmed the significance of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, recognizing it as a strategically vital area of mutual interest. The dialogue highlighted their shared commitment to a rules-based international order, promoting global peace, stability, and prosperity based on common democratic values and converging strategic interests. The EU High Representative welcomed India's interest in developing a security and defense partnership with the EU. Progress was noted in consultatio ns to launch negotiations on a Security of Information Agreement, emphasizing the importance of structured and secure information exchange.
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