NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN FEPS AND CARNEGIE INDIA

Recognising the importance of enacting even further the strategic partnership that the European Union and India have developed over the years, the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Carnegie India, the sixth international center of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum took place in Brussels on 28 November 2017. The Memorandum was signed on behalf of FEPS by Maria João Rodrigues, President of FEPS, and Vice-President of the S&D Group at the European Parliament, and on behalf of Carnegie India by Dr. Raja Mohan, Director of the institute. The signing ceremony was also attended by Ernst Stetter, Secretary General of FEPS, Klaus Voll, FEPS Advisor on South Asia, and Vassilis Ntousas, FEPS International Relations Policy Advisor.

During the discussion that ensued important ideas were exchanged considering the priorities of the joint research work and activities programme that will be developed between the two foundations in the coming years. At the core of these discussions lay the common willingness to find progressive solutions to the problems that both India and the European Union are facing in our digital age and  in the current security environment.

The Memorandum of Understanding between FEPS and Carnegie India, which has a duration of 4 years, expands the scope of the international engagement of FEPS, as it formalises the excellent working relationship with one of the top think-tanks in India. This relationship started with the successful organisation of the international conference ‘Aligning Regional Interests India and Europe in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East’ in New Delhi, in September 29th-30th, 2016. The document foresees regular exchanges of experts and researchers, mutual research programs and assistance, and exchanges of publications, all aimed at improving scientific and academic interactions, and promoting the friendship and the mutual understanding between the people the European Union and India.