New Delhi, Oct 6 – India and the European Union today agreed to “further intensify” cooperation on addressing environmental challenges such as water management and air pollution.
The two sides arrived at the decision during the 14th summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Council President Donald Franciszek Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker here.
The leaders highlighted the ongoing positive discussions and the exchange of a joint declaration between the Interim Secretariat of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The joint declaration is aimed at mobilising investments for broad-based deployment of affordable solar energy applications across the 121 prospective member countries of the ISA.
“I also appreciate the decision of the European Investment Bank to fund solar-related projects in member countries of the International Solar Alliance,” Modi said.
India and the EU reiterated the importance of reconciling economic growth and environment protection and highlighted the importance of moving towards a more circular economic model that reduces primary resource consumption, a joint statement said.
“Leaders also agreed to further intensify cooperation on addressing environmental challenges, such as water management and air pollution, acknowledged the progress in implementing the India-EU Water Partnership, including an agreed action programme,” it said.
India and the EU have been strategic partners since 2004. The 13th India-EU Summit was held in Brussels on March 30 last year during Modis visit.
Source: PTI
