Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-09-28-Speech-3-384"
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"en.20050928.27.3-384"2
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"Mr President, the strategic partnership between the Union and India can be described in very simple terms. It is a partnership between democrats. The Union and India are the two largest democracies in the world, as has already been stated in the House. Of course, democracy on the Indian sub-continent is rooted in specific traditions and value systems but it is democracy nonetheless.
India is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, and also an emerging economic power. It already has observer status at the G7. It is a country of paradoxes, as I was able to observe during the couple of weeks I spent there. On the one hand there is the very latest technological and computer equipment. On the other, as Mrs Gill mentioned earlier, over half a billion people live off farming and 370 million people, almost 35% of the population, live below the poverty threshold. We should also remember that between 17.5 and 35 million children have to work. In addition, India is a country that needs to import 70% of its energy from abroad, and is dependent on foreign support.
We do not yet know whether India will be granted a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. It might not be appropriate to adjust the composition of that body, as doing so is bound to give rise to strong feelings in various European and non-European states. There is no doubt, however, that Delhi will soon be playing a leading role on the world political and economic stage.
A strategic partnership between the Union and India is a necessary step in the right direction for both parties. We should not gloss over certain issues such as the as yet unresolved conflict in Kashmir or the fact that the latest round in the so-called cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan does not take account of the wishes of the people of Kashmir. Above all, it is the people of Kashmir who should be consulted on the future of their region, not just the politicians in Karachi or Delhi.
Important as it is, that consideration should not be allowed to detract from the fact that India needs the Union and the Union needs India."@en1
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