CIAO DATE: 07/2008
Contemporary Indian Views of Europe
Karine Lisbonne-de Vergeron
September 2006
Chatham House
Abstract
This report aims to encourage deeper thought on the relationship between the EU and India by hightlighting that:
- The economic and political relationships between Europe and India are currently essentially best defined in a bilateral framework with individual member states, rather than with the EU as an entity, to the overall detriment of both India and the EU.
- Europe lacks a strategic vision and ranks at the bottom of the list of partners in India's multipolar understanding of the future geometry of world affairs.
- India perceives the European example as a source of inspiration for enhanced regional economic cooperation in Asia, and, in particular, the euro as a constructive and impressive achievement. However, India believes that Europe's position in the next twenty years will depend, above all, on its ability to build a common defence identity, starting with cooperation between Britain and France; to strengthen the euro zone, especially by including the United Kingdom; and to make a success of its enlargement, especially by a greater rapprochement with Russia.
- Europe is simply unattractive to India, especially by comparison with the United States. Many Indians regard it as 'socially and culturally protectionist', and as offering interest only on account of its 'exotic tourist appeal'.
Resource link: Contemporary Indian Views of Europe [PDF]
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