European Parliament
David Martin (PSE ),
in writing
I welcome this detailed report on the possibilities and challenges which face the EU and India in seeking closer bilateral trade relations. I fully agree with the rapporteur’s call to stress the strategic importance of trade relations with India, given its impressive economic development and its status as a leader of the G20 at the World Trade Organisation.
As the country prospers internationally, the gap between the rich and the poor within its borders is widening and I therefore support this report’s emphasis on tackling trade and development issues together. India has a responsibility to its citizens to enforce core labour standards and meet environmental standards. At the same time, the EU as a global leader and a principle trading partner of India must work with the Indian authorities to ensure that the Generalised System of Preferences can continue to support Indian industry and that a delicate balance can be found between the need to enforce international rules on intellectual property and making sure that traditional knowledge and access to medicines for poverty-related diseases can be maintained.

