Czech Deputy PM Karel Havlicek: ‘India’s Russia-Ukraine war truce proposals helpful; tariff barriers create uncertainty’

Czech Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlicek has expressed his support for India's proposals to end the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that such diplomatic solutions are the preferred choice over a prolonged military conflict. During his recent visit to India, Havlicek emphasized the importance of India as a strategic partner and a key player in the global economy.

He highlighted the potential for Czech companies to collaborate with India in various sectors, including transport infrastructure, railway industry, defence, and clean technologies.

Havlicek also discussed the impact of rising tariff barriers and protectionism on EU-India trade, arguing that closer economic cooperation between the EU and India is crucial in the face of increasing global economic uncertainty. He stressed that the EU-India Free Trade Agreement should be pursued for its opportunities rather than as a reaction to any country's stance on trade.

Regarding the Czech Republic's interest in defence cooperation with India, Havlicek mentioned that there is significant potential for the Czech Republic to engage in long-term industrial partnerships, joint production, technology transfer, and innovation with Indian companies. The signing of a Migration and Mobility Agreement in 2024 has allowed for a higher number of Indian workers and students to be welcomed annually, with quotas set at 600 applications for the Qualified Employee Programme and 360 applications for long-term study visas in 2026.