European Member of Parliament Mr Sandro Gozi on Cultural relationship between India and the EU

Mr Sandro Gozi is the Member of European Parliament – France/ Member – EU Delegation for Relations with India/ Former Undersecretary for European affairs of the Italian Government

Delivering his keynote address during the virtual summit on Cultural Relationships as Key Driver, for Stronger Trade and Investment Partnerships between India and EU,

Mr Sandro Gozi, began his speech by expressing his admiration for India, her culture and democracy. He mentioned how India and the EU are entering a new phase of the relationship and pointed out that now is the time for both sides to take advantage of the potential that deeper economic and geopolitical links that India-EU presents. He highlighted the recent India-European Union (EU) Leaders’ Meeting, wherein leaders identified new common goals providing a new direction to the Strategic Partnership and giving a fresh impetus for implementing the ambitious India-EU Roadmap 2025 adopted at the 15th India-EU Summit held in July 2020. He also emphasised the importance of resuming negotiations to conclude the Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement and the Investment Protection Agreement as soon as possible. He emphasised increased clarity in geopolitics and termed India a friend of the EU, citing mutual issues such as climate change, a free and open Pacific, adherence to international laws, and China's increasing assertiveness at international borders and open sea lanes of Communication. He concluded his speech by stressing the increased convergence of interests between New Delhi and Brussels and urged both unions to step up their efforts to improve bilateral relations..