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Row over Gujarat regrettable: India, EU

The Gujarat issue was discussed in an "open and candid manner" at the meeting of officials of the India-EU troika comprising Spain, Denmark and Belgium, external affairs ministry spokesperson Nirupama Rao told reporters.

"The two sides agreed that the recent controversy caused by media reports on the EU position on Gujarat had been regrettable and decided to put this issue behind them," she said.

The EU had recognised that its concerns regarding the violence in Gujarat and the requirement for urgent humanitarian relief had already been addressed vigorously and effectively by the government and Parliament besides the media, public opinion and civil society, she said.

The last two weeks had seen India reacting sharply on three occasions to remarks on Gujarat by foreign leaders and visiting dignitaries, terming it as interference in the country's internal affairs to pander to their domestic lobbies.

The meeting of officials was in preparation for the India-EU Summit slated to be held in Copenhagen in October this year.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh are expected to take part in the Copenhagen meetings.

While Foreign Secretary Chokila Iyer led the Indian side, the EU delegation was headed by her Spanish counterpart Don Javier Garrigues.

Developments in India-EU relations came up for review during the day-long meeting, she said.

"The intention expressed by both sides was to take relations further onwards to a higher level," the spokesperson said, adding that the EU described India as a "crucial strategic partner".

Both sides agreed to continue close consultations and co-operation in the fight against international terrorism, she said.

India stressed that it was imperative for all countries to deny safe haven and support to terrorists.

The two sides also examined prospects of further enhancing trade and economic co-operation.

The spokesperson said the two sides had a "productive" dialogue on issues relating to the World Trade Organisation

PTI

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