India, EU Pledge Enhanced Cooperation on AI, Semiconductors, and Quantum Tech

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New Delhi: India and the European Union are set to take their strategic cooperation to the next level, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and quantum technology. The two sides are expected to announce the completion of negotiations for their massive free trade agreement (FTA) on January 27, marking a significant milestone in their partnership. As part of their efforts to promote a rules-based global digital order, India and the EU plan to collaborate on digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data protection. The European Commission's International Digital Strategy aims to create a secure, fair, and inclusive digital space, which the two partners share. India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), also known as the India Stack, has gained international recognition for its seamless delivery of welfare schemes to millions of citizens. The EU is interested in adopting similar principles of interoperability, scalability, and inclusivity to develop its own digital ecosystem, dubbed the Eurostack. The India-EU Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on January 27 is expected to discuss these proposals in detail. The two partners also plan to strengthen their cooperation in areas like economic security, food security, and health preparedness. They aim to establish EU-India Innovation Hubs and a startup partnership, as well as coordinate on emerging challenges like territorial integrity and climate change. European Council President António Costa described India as a crucial partner for the EU, highlighting their shared commitment to protecting the rules-based international order. The India-EU partnership has the potential to drive progress in their cooperation and promote a more stable and secure world.