|
EU-lndia relations go back to the early 1960s: India was amongst
the first countries to set up diplomatic relations with EEC. Bilateral
agreements were signed in 1973, 1981 and 1994.
Delegation of the European Commission to India is also
accredited to Bhutan and Nepal, tike other accredited foreign diplomatic
missions, the Delegation represents the European Commission vis-a-vis the
Government of India. In parallel with the Indian mission in Brussels, it seeks
to ensure a smooth and accurate flow of information between the European
Commission and Indian authorities. Being in charge of the EU's common
commercial policy, the European Commission represents the EU at the WTO and
other international trade fora. In this respect, the Delegation maintains an
important policy dialogue with the host country. It is particularly relevant to
India since the EU is India's largest trade and investment partner.
The Delegation participates together with the missions of the
Member States in New Delhi on all matters falling under the Common Foreign and
Security Policy (CFSP). It participates in all ,Troika' and other EU diplomatic
initiatives and contacts with India. It also informs and assists the European
Parliament and other European institutions (e.g. Economic and Social Committee,
Committee of Regions) in their relations with India. The Delegation is equally
responsible for overseeing the implementation of the EU-lndia Cooperation
Agreement on Partnership and Development (1994) as well as for the Agenda for
Action of the EU-lndia Summits and the India-EU Joint Action Plan
recently singed. In particular, it manages a whole range of
economic and development co-operation programmes supported by the EU in India
(education, health, environment, trade and investment facilitation, Civil
Society and NGO related projects, etc.). Since 2002, the Delegation's role has
been substantially enhanced due to ,deconcentration' whereby Headquarters have
devolved the management of external aid to the Delegations. The Delegation
therefore works closely with Union, State and local authorities, apex bodies,
NGOs, and all relevant Indian partners.
Informing about the EU's role in world affairs and highlighting
the developments of bilateral relations to Indian policy makers and opinion
formers are key tasks of the Delegation. This requires close contacts with the
government, trade and industry, media, academia, NGOs and civil society.
|