On February 21, New Delhi will be the center stage for a significant roundtable discussion focusing on collaboration between the European Union (EU) and Bharat in combatting online disinformation and information manipulation. Over 35 experts from both regions will convene to delve into the security and policy aspects of this growing challenge, aiming to identify potential areas for collaboration between the EU and Bharat.
The roundtable, scheduled to coincide with the Raisina Dialogue 2024, will be the 4th of its kind, co-organized by the EU-funded project Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia (ESIWA) and the Indian Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in partnership with the EU Delegation to Bharat. Participants will engage in discussions aimed at unpacking the complexities of online disinformation and exploring strategies to address them effectively.
The event will foster dialogue between governmental and non-governmental actors from both the EU and Bharat, facilitating the exchange of best practices and insights on countering disinformation. It will feature speakers from various EU institutions, including the European External Action Service and several national ministries, alongside representatives from key Indian agencies such as the Prime Minister’s Office for Information Security and the National Cyber Coordination Centre.
Seppo Nurmi, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bharat, emphasized the interconnectedness of the digital world, stating that while Europe and Asia may seem distant physically, they coexist closely in cyberspace. Nurmi stressed the importance of mutual defense and collaboration in combating cyber threats, highlighting the need for resilient and trustworthy digital services.
Furthermore, the dialogue will delve into foreign policy responses to online disinformation, with a focus on safeguarding free speech and privacy. Participants will examine opportunities for EU-Bharat cooperation in addressing this challenge, reflecting on the evolving nature of security threats in the digital age.
The EU and Bharat have reiterated their commitment to promoting an open, free, and secure cyberspace conducive to economic growth and innovation. To further enhance cooperation in this domain, ESIWA and ORF have organized a series of high-level dialogues, contributing to the formal EU-India Cybersecurity Dialogues and fostering connections between two major global security actors.
Mindaugas Lasas, Head of Sector – Hybrid Threats at the European External Action Service, highlighted the significance of addressing online disinformation as a growing political and security challenge. He underscored the importance of EU-Bharat collaboration in cybersecurity, particularly in light of the potential impact on two of the world’s largest democracies.
The roundtable builds upon previous meetings held in New Delhi, with the conclusions contributing to advancing discussions on evolving security challenges and strengthening ties between the EU and Bharat in addressing cyber threats. As online disinformation continues to pose significant challenges globally, this collaborative effort marks a crucial step towards enhancing cybersecurity and safeguarding democratic principles in the digital age.
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