India, EU agree to step up cooperation in maritime security in Indian Ocean

New Delhi : The EU and India have agreed to step up cooperation in maritime security in the Indian Ocean and beyond, while coordinating to deal with the global migration including the Rohingya refugee crisis.

"We decided to step up cooperation in maritime security in the Indian Ocean and beyond, which I hope will lead to enhanced military cooperation. We welcome the resumption of tactical exercises in the Gulf of Aden between the EU's Naval Force Operation ATALANTA and the Indian Navy and look forward to more such opportunities including India's participation in escorting World Food Programme vessels," Tusk said, after the 14th India and European Union summit and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Modi also held delegation-level talks Jean Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, in New Delhi on Friday.

"We also discussed the global migration and refugee crisis and agreed to coordinate closely, through our EU-India Common Agenda for migration and mobility. And within the United Nations. Your engagement, Prime Minister, is appreciated and needed," Tusk said.

"The European Union continues to assume its responsibilities by receiving people in need of protection and by assisting host countries close to the conflict zones. The international community has a responsibility to crack down on human smugglers that exploit vulnerable people and violate sovereign borders," he added.

"We want to see a de-escalation of tensions and a full adherence to international human rights obligations in Myanmar as well as full humanitarian access, so the aid can reach those in need. The Rohingya people must be able to return voluntarily, in safety and dignity. We call for the implementation of the recommendations of the international Rakhine Advisory Commission to tackle the root causes of this crisis. As a neighbour, India stands first in line to respond."

At the summit, the EU and India discussed some of the most pressing global challenges with Tusk emphasising that "the whole international community have a responsibility to act with resolve for a peaceful denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK must abandon its nuclear weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner and immediately cease all related activities."

The September 11 resolution unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council is increasing the pressure on the North Korean regime. It sends a strong signal, showing the unity of the international community. The European Union is implementing the resolution and is working on adopting EU additional sanctions to increase the pressure on North Korea.

"As regards Ukraine, the European Union remains strong and united in its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty. That is why we insist on the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements and encourage all our partners to join us in this."

"Free and fair trade agreements are not only economically important for our companies and citizens to prosper. Above all, they strengthen and defend the rules-based international order and our way of life. The democracies of the world can be the ones to set ambitious global standards," Tusk added