The EU and India are in talks to build joint infrastructure projects around the world in the latest attempt to compete with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The plan, described as a “connectivity” partnership in sectors including energy, digital and transport, would aim to offer better legal safeguards and less onerous debt terms than those offered by Beijing, diplomats said.
The initiative, which India and the EU would like to unveil at a virtual summit on May 8, comes as the US seeks to spur similar efforts to counter China’s growing influence. The EU-India plan would not be branded an anti-Beijing alliance, but would be seen as part of an attempt to offer alternatives to the BRI across Europe, Africa and Asia.