Gunnar Wiegand's visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi

On 22 November 2016, Gunnar Wiegand, Managing Director for Asia Pacific of the EAS, delivered a public lecture on "The EU's new Global Strategy and Asia" at the School of International Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University.

In his address Mr. Wiegand outlined the EU’s general foreign policy approach and its renewed commitment to a credible, strong global footprint in the Global Strategy. He emphasized that despite recent challenges in the European region the EU-28 continues being an active global player and an important partner to many Asian countries, including India.

Mr. Wiegand pointed out that Asia and the EU are deeply interconnected, with relations spanning economy and trade, research and innovation, safeguarding global public goods, education and people to people contacts, development as well as security. The shared values of democracy and the commitment to effective multilateralism make India and the EU natural partners in contributing to stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.

In the following interaction with students and staff members a wide range of issues were discussed, including the prospects for EU-India trade relations and the EU’s role as security actor.

Read his full speech below: