EU, India agree to structured dialogue on migration issues, to pursue MDGs

BRUSSELS - Recognizing the important implications of the movement of people for India and EU, leaders of the two sides agreed here on Friday to explore initiatives that could lead to a regular, comprehensive and structured dialogue on migration issues, with a view to deepening cooperation in this field.

The agreement was reached during the 11th EU-India Summit.

Both sides also reiterated their joint commitment to the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), with an emphasis on health and education and a special focus on vocational training.

A joint statement said that in this context, the EU and India would sign the next joint development cooperation strategy (Multi-Annual Indicative Programme 2011-13).

Both sides also welcomed the new dynamic India-EU and Member States research and innovation partnership for more coordinated cooperation to tackle major societal challenges.

According to the statement, the leaders agreed that cooperation partnership dialogues should be pursued so as to make a contribution to the objectives set out in the India’s Decade of Innovation and the Europe 2010 Flagship Initiative Innovation Union. By Smita Prakash (ANI)