⇒ The Council of the European Union approved conclusions on a European Union strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, to reinforce its strategic focus, presence and actions in Indo-Pacific region on 19 April 2021.
Key Points:
The approval has been given with an aim to contribute to “regional stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development,” at a time of “rising challenges and tensions in this region.”
The European Council tasked the High Representative and the Commission with putting forward a Joint Communication on cooperation in the Indo-Pacific by September 2021.
The European Union commitment towards Indo-Pacific region will have a long-term focus. It will be based on “upholding democracy, human rights, the rule of law and respect for international law.
The EU will aim to promote effective rules-based multilateralism, reiterating its support for ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) centrality, a point also stressed by India.