Jaishankar holds 'productive' discussion with EU leader about upcoming virtual summit

Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, on April 23 held a virtual discussion with Margre Vestanger, Executive Vice-President of European Commission, on preparations of upcoming India-EU summit. Terming talks as “warm and productive,” he reckoned that both leers h “detailed” talks on preparations of upcoming summit. Amidst coronavirus pandemic, 16th India-EU summit has been shifted to a digital platform, nixing PM Modi’s earlier planned Portugal trip.  

In a subsequent tweet, lawmaker also appreciated support that 27 member bloc h offered to COVID-19 battered India. “Confident that EU will help strengn our capabilities at this critical juncture,” he furr ded. His tweet comes as country recorded its single-day highest peak of over 3,14,835 positive cases in last 24 hours.

This comes on same day as France, a leing member of bloc, showed solidarity to India’s fight against second COVID-19 wave as country reported over three lakh cases in last 24 hours for second consecutive day on Friday. In a statement shared by french Ambassor Emmanuel Lenain on Twitter, Macron said that France is with India in struggle to stem coronavirus infections and noted that disease “spares no one.” French President also said that country is rey to assist India in any form of support during se grim times.

Increased India-EU dialogue

Last week, Indian and European leers participated in 9th India-EU Human Rights Dialogue. two sides reiterated ir commitment to shared principles and values of democracy, freedom, respect for human rights. Human Rights Dialogue was co-chaired by Joint Secretary for Europe West in MEA, Sandeep Chakravorty, and Ambassor to European Union to India, Ugo Astuto.

According to press release of Ministry of External Affairs, two sides exchanged ir views on strengning human rights in all spheres such as social, economic etc. two leers expressed need to foster greater engagement on human rights issues.  two sides discussed civil and political rights, freedom of religion or belief, women empowerment, children's rights, rights of women minorities and vulnerable groups.

(Image Credits: DrSJaishankar/Twitter )