From 28 to 30 November 2022, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs, was in India on a working visit. During the visit, political consultations were held between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, at which the diplomats discussed bilateral cooperation, relationship between the European Union and India, and cooperation in international organisations.
The officials also exchanged views on the current geopolitical situation in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. They underlined the need to continue exchange of high-level visits, as well as to expand the economic dialogue in the areas such as information and communication technologies and green technologies.
The Latvian and Indian officials noted the importance of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement in the promotion of business relations. In a discussion on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Andris Pelšs emphasised the need for jointly protecting the rules-based international order and the special role of permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council in stopping Russia’s aggression. The officials noted the values and principles shared by Latvia and India, based on democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and effective multilateralism.
Andris Pelšs took part in a National Day reception held by the Embassy of Latvia in India. The event was attended by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Culture of India, Meenakshi Lekhi, as a guest of honour. In his remarks to those present, the State Secretary underlined: “Latvia and India are linked by common values and relations rooted in culture and friendship, which have been strengthened since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 30 years ago. Latvia wishes to continue developing and deepening those relations, especially with a perspective for a green, secure and innovative future.”
As part of his visit, Andris Pelšs met with Latvia’s honorary consuls in India to thank them for their contribution to advancing of Latvia’s interests, especially in business and culture, as well as to discuss the ways of future cooperation. Latvia has three honorary consuls in India – in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
In a meeting with the Head of EU Delegation in India, Ugo Astuto, the State Secretary discussed the relations between the EU and India.
During his visit, the State Secretary met with representatives from India’s academic sector for an exchange of views on latest developments in the region. Andris Pelšs also delivered introductory remarks for a discussion at Jawaharlal Nehru University on the changing geopolitics and security situation in the Baltic Sea region.
The previous round of political consultations between Latvia and India took place in Riga in March 2019.