South Asia

The Indo-Pacific is rapidly evolving and becoming the most important geo-strategic region, being home to more than 50% of the global population. Two-thirds of the world’s container trade passes through the Indo-Pacific and its sea lanes are the main routes for trade and energy supplies. The EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was adopted in September 2021 to increase the EU’s presence in the region, to build partnerships, reinforce the rules-based international order and address global challenges. The EU is adapting its current instruments as part of its strategic autonomy. The EU’s Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, formally approved by the Council in March 2022, promotes an open and rules-based regional security architecture, including secure sea lines of communication, capacity-building and enhanced naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. The EU is forging closer ties with countries in South Asia, as a strong economic player and a major development and aid donor. The EU is working to foster institution-building, democracy, good governance and human rights, while it also has security concerns, such as the Kashmir conflict and Afghanistan. The European Parliament has supported the EU’s assistance for addressing the COVID-19 crisis and its impact in the region, with targeted support for the most vulnerable population groups.