India and the European Union (EU) have pledged to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific to tackle shared security challenges and foster peace and stability in the region.
This commitment was discussed during a security and defence dialogue held in Delhi on Monday.
Co-chaired by Vishvesh Negi from India's defence ministry and Joanneke Balfoort from the European External Action Service, the meeting saw discussions on enhancing collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting principles like respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, democracy, rule of law, and freedom of navigation and overflight.
They also stressed the importance of unhindered lawful commerce and peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The EU aims to contribute to stability, security, prosperity, and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific, with a focus on promoting democracy, rule of law, human rights, and international law.
A seminar organised by the EU delegation in India further explored the security environment in the Indo-Pacific and the EU's role as a security actor, with a specific emphasis on cooperation with India.
Attendees included security and defence experts, think tank representatives, diplomats, Indian officials, and EU member state representatives. Joanneke Balfoort highlighted India's strategic importance, stating, "We see India, a country with considerable strategic weight on the global security balance, as a key partner for the EU in the Indo-Pacific."
EU Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin, emphasised the need for cooperation amidst a volatile global environment, stressing the importance of working together with international partners like India to address common security challenges and promote peace and stability.
He underscored the increasing interconnectedness between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, emphasising the growing significance of cooperation with Asian partners, particularly India.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)