Tallinn/New Delhi, Nov 26 : India and Estonia agreed to explore the possibility of setting up a dialogue on cyber security and explore new and emerging areas of cooperation like health tech, research and innovation, education and startups during the 11th round of Foreign Office Consultations held in the Estonian capital of Tallinn.
The talks were held on Thursday and the Indian delegation was led by Reenat Sandhu, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Estonian delegation was led by Rein Tammsaar, Under Secretary for Political Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The FOC is being held at a time when India and Estonia are commemorating 30 years of diplomatic relations and they are also non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.
The Estonian side welcomed India’s decision to open a resident mission in Tallinn and looked forward to its early inauguration.
They also congratulated India on 75 years of its independence.
India conveyed its appreciation to Estonia for being among the first countries to recognise both Covishield and Covaxin, and the Indian vaccination certificate, an official statement said.
The FOC provided an opportunity to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations.
“The two sides noted with satisfaction the positive trajectory of our partnership in a number of areas. They discussed ongoing and future cooperation in the fields of cyber security and digitalization, data protection and e-governance. They agreed to explore the possibility of setting up a dialogue on cyber security.
“They also agreed to explore new and emerging areas of cooperation like health tech, research and innovation, education and startups. Both sides agreed on the need to enhance trade & investment, and promote cooperation in culture, films and tourism.”
Both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific and India-EU partnership. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral fora.
