Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

Statement by PM before departure to the Hague

The following is the text of the statement by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh before his departure to The Hague for India-EU Summit, here today:

“I leave today on a visit to The Hague to participate in the 5th India-EU Summit, hosted by Prime Minister Dr. Jan Belkenende of The Netherlands.

Europe is an important political and strategic factor on the international scene. Recently, the EU increased its membership from 15 to 25 States erasing the vertical faultlines that divided the European continent for over a half century. EU is emerging as a politically influential, economically powerful and demographically diverse regional entity in the world.

The European Union is not only India’s largest trading partner, but is also our largest source of foreign direct investment. It is an important source of technology, and home to a large and influential Indian diaspora.

India and EU are natural partners. Our relations are based on shared values – democracy, pluralism, rule of law, free press and independent judiciary. Our partnership has evolved over the years from economic and development cooperation to a broad-based engagement on a wide range of issues – globalization, terrorism, proliferation, energy and environment.

In recognition of India’s growing stature and influence, the European Commission has proposed a Strategic Partnership with India. This will be formalized during The Hague Summit. We warmly welcome this development. My discussions with the EU leadership will be reflected in a comprehensive Joint Press Statement that will be issued on the conclusion of the Summit.”