New Delhi: The 7th edition of Raisina Dialogue got underway in New Delhi on Monday (April 25).
Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said that India and the European Union share fundamental values and common interests as vibrant democracies.
She said it is democracy that delivers the best for citizens. Ms Leyen said every five years when Indians cast their vote in Parliamentary elections, the world watches with admiration as the world’s largest democracy charts its future path. The outcome of decisions made by 1.3 billion people resonates around the globe, she said.
She stressed that for the European Union’s strengthening and energising, its partnership with India is a priority in this upcoming decade. The EC President also expressed happiness at the launch of the India EU Trade and Technology Council which will facilitate collaboration on expanded trade, technology and security.
Proposing the Vote of Thanks, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said the EU has already articulated an Indo-Pacific and Connectivity strategy.
“In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave us the task of creating a ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ platform to debate contemporary issues. ….Seven years later, we have today in our midst 1200 participants drawn from 99 nations, ready to hear 100 panels and conversations. And I can say with all humility that the Raisina Dialogue is among the best in its class,” EAM added.
The three-day Dialogue is based on the theme – Terranova, impassioned, impatient, imperilled.
There are six broad thematic pillars of the Dialogue, including Rethinking Democracy, End of Multilateralism, Water Caucuses, Achieving Green Transitions.
