Newsinc24 Team A high-level dialogue on “ Peace and Prosperity of South Asia ” was held at the European Parliament in Brussels, bringing together representatives from diplomacy, trade, business and international cooperation to exchange perspectives on strengthening economic relations between Europe and South Asia. The conference was organised by Ondřej Dostál and provided an opportunity for participants to discuss the evolving India–EU partnership, trade and investment cooperation, sustainable development, climate action and the importance of inclusive economic growth. The conference was attended by Dr. Asif Iqbal, President, United Diplomatic Council (UDC); Wali Kashvi, Vice President, United Diplomatic Council; and Ankit Jain, Trade Commissioner, India–EU Trade Council, along with other distinguished international participants. Among the participants associated with the engagement were Dr. Peter Fahrenholtz, former German diplomat; Dr. Nuran Nabi; Mr. A.F.M. Golam Zilani, Secretary General, Hand in Hand Foundation, Belgium; and Satar Ali Suman, along with other international representatives.
In his intervention, Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the United Diplomatic Council, emphasised the importance of ensuring that the deepening India–EU economic partnership creates opportunities across the entire business ecosystem, particularly for MSMEs, small enterprises and emerging entrepreneurs. Dr. Iqbal noted that the European Union's evolving sustainability and environmental frameworks, including EUDR, CSRD and CBAM, represent important developments in advancing responsible and sustainable economic activity. Dr. Iqbal emphasised that stronger institutional cooperation between India and Europe in the areas of training, technology transfer, sustainability and compliance preparedness could enable MSMEs to become active participants in the next phase of India–EU economic cooperation.
In his address, Ankit Jain, Trade Commissioner, India–EU Trade Council, highlighted the potential of decarbonising cremation infrastructure in India as an additional area for constructive India–EU cooperation. Jain noted that the decarbonisation of cremation grounds represents an important but comparatively less-discussed component of India's broader climate and sustainability agenda. He highlighted the potential for modernising cremation infrastructure through cleaner technologies, improved emissions measurement, sustainable energy solutions and appropriate carbon-accounting mechanisms.
Jain referred to an estimated 7 million tonnes of CO₂ associated with this area as an important subject for further assessment and policy consideration. He suggested that a structured approach to the decarbonisation of cremation grounds could provide opportunities for cooperation between Indian and European institutions in areas including green technology, sustainable infrastructure, carbon accounting, climate finance and knowledge exchange. According to Mr. Jain, such cooperation could complement India's wider decarbonisation objectives while creating opportunities for European technology and expertise to contribute to sustainable infrastructure development in India.
The discussions also recognised the significance of the India–EU FTA as an important platform for expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation between India and the European Union. With the agreement moving through the necessary ratification and approval processes, participants emphasised the importance of ensuring that businesses are adequately prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that closer India–EU economic integration can provide. The dialogue also underlined the broader connection between peace, economic prosperity and sustainable development. Stronger trade and investment relationships can provide an important foundation for deeper cooperation between Europe, India and the wider South Asian region. The Brussels dialogue reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement between European and South Asian stakeholders in advancing peace, prosperity, sustainable trade and inclusive economic development. The dialogue held on 30 September 2026.
