Socialists in EP favour strong ties with India

New Delhi, Mar 11: In a significant step reflecting the growing profile of New Delhi in international affairs, the Socialist Group in the European Parliament (EP) for relations with SAARC countries has decided to split itself into two--one exclusively for ties with India and the other for six remaining members of the grouping.

The decision was taken after a voting exercise was undertaken in Brussels on Wednesay, a press release from the 'India News in Europe' said.

This decision on the position of the Socialist Group was the last step required before the matter is put to a final vote in the EP plenary session to be held in the French city of Strasbourg next week.

''This move marks recognition by the European Parliament of the growing importance of India as a global player." said Ms Neena Gill, who chairs the SAARC Delegation.

''A separate delegation for India will enable the Parliament to step up its dialogue with its counterparts in the Parliament in India and will also contribute towards developing the EU-India Strategic Partnership in a positive and meaningful way,'' said Ms Gill, a British Member of the EP who is of Indian origin.

''India 's political stability, sustained economic growth and large population make it the most influential country in South Asia : parliamentary relations with this regional giant need to be strengthened," she said.

The SAARC brings together the seven South Asian countries of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives.

The Europen Union (EU) will participate in the coming SAARC Summit here in April as an observer.

UNI