The recent news highlights the signing of a Defense Cooperation Agreement between India and Romania, serving to establish and expand military cooperation between both nations. This agreement will provide the legal framework for future defense cooperation through the exchange of specific expertise and knowledge. These areas of mutual interest include co-development and co-production of military hardware.
This pact aims to promote cooperation in the defense domain, thereby opening up possibilities in sectors such as defense medicine, scientific research, cyber defense, technology, and research and development.
The Significance of The Agreement
The European Union’s (EU) Strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific presents an opportunity to amplify EU-India cooperation in the region. Romania has committed to active involvement in the Indo-Pacific within this strategic framework. The EU-India Strategic Partnership roadmap and commitments ensuing from the EU-India Leaders’ Meeting in May 2021 establish a strong foundation to enhance cooperation and promote regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Strengthening relationships with Indo-Pacific partners is essential for addressing global challenges and maintaining a rule-based international order at bilateral and multilateral levels.
Overview of India-Romania Relations
India-Romania diplomatic ties were formally established in 1948 and have witnessed steady growth since. Friendly and cordial relations culminated in the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic ties in 2018. Both countries have consistently increased trade and investments after the 1989 revolution in Romania that overthrew the communist government.
At the multilateral level, India and Romania have extended support to each other at the United Nations (UN).
Trade and Investments Between India and Romania
Past collaborations between Romania and India have involved projects spanning industries like petroleum, petrochemicals, power, and metallurgy. Romania engaged in oil refinery projects in Assam and Bihar and shared its technological know-how for thermal power plants, steel plants, and tractor plants in several Indian cities. An Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation was signed in 1993, granting mutual Most Favored Nation (MFN) status to each other.
Green Energy Partnership
Romania is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and achieving the EU’s ambitious targets to curb climate change further. It is poised to cooperate with India in this key sector: both nations can work together to reduce carbon emissions and focus on harnessing sustainable power sources, like solar energy. Romania has already taken steps towards membership in the International Solar Alliance.
Enhanced Connectivity
Romanian infrastructure companies and Indian partners can collaborate to enhance connectivity across Europe and India. Through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), India remains dedicated to building a multimodal network linking India to Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.
The Romanian government is also working on expanding the trans-European transport network. These large-scale connectivity projects present ample collaboration opportunities and meeting points.
The Way Forward
Several challenges persist on global platforms, including supply chain disruption, war and conflicts, and climate change. Romania, an EU and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member, alongside India, the world’s fifth-largest economy and a significant contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions, could play a constructive role in overcoming these difficulties.