Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
4. India and the EU have maintained a robust strategic relation. However, in some critical areas, there is still room for enhanced cooperation between the both. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Times of India , Insights on India
Why the question: .
India and the European Union (EU) are looking to conclude negotiations on comprehensive trade and investment agreements before the beginning of electoral cycles on both sides in 2024, EU ambassador Ugo Astuto said.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the need for great cooperation between India-EU in critical areas and ways to achieve it.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with brief background of the context of the question.
Body:
Explain first that after limited economic gains from its FTAs with Asian partners, India is reassessing its FTA options. While a good beginning has been made with the UK, India must also renegotiate with the EU—the bloc is very important for India as far as trade relations are concerned, and an FTA with the EU is, thus, based on sound reasoning.
Discuss that FTAs need to be designed in a manner that they enhance complementarities amongst partners and overcome regulatory hurdles that inhibit trade. Account for potential of India –EU trade relations.
Present the challenges before India in realizing this potential.
Conclusion:
Suggest way forward and conclude.
