Historia
History of the Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia
The European Parliament established the Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia (DSAS) in 2007. Until then, a single delegation covered the whole region and was also responsible for relations with India. The decision to divide the former delegation into the current Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia and the Delegation for relations with India (D-IN) reflected India's rise as a major regional and global actor and allowed the Parliament to devote sustained attention to each of the other South Asian countries.
The Delegation's bilateral partnerships
Since its creation, the Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia has developed relations with its six partner countries -- Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- taking into account each country's specific context and priorities.
The Delegation also engages with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the intergovernmental organisation that brings together the Delegation's six partner countries, as well as India and Afghanistan.
The intensity and focus of bilateral exchanges between the European Union and each partner country have varied over time, depending on political, economic and societal developments. Parliamentary diplomacy has become an important instrument in the EU's relations with South Asia, and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have sought to reinforce the EU's engagement whenever regional, political, human rights or economic developments warranted closer attention.
2019-2024: 9th parliamentary term
During the European Parliament's 9th parliamentary term (2019-2024), the Delegation organised 15 official and more than 7 informal meetings with partners from the countries of South Asia.
Current parliamentary term
The Delegation continues its active programme during the Parliament's current, 9th term, which began following the European elections in 2024.
Highlights so far include:
In times of significant change in international relations, the Delegation's dynamic schedule enables the European Parliament to closely follow the development of the EU's relations with the South Asian region.
More broadly, the Delegation's sustained engagement in inter-parliamentary dialogue contributes to deepening EU-South Asia relations, fostering cooperation and building greater mutual understanding between the European Union and its six partner countries in the region.
The Delegation's bilateral partnerships
Since its creation, the Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia has developed relations with its six partner countries -- Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- taking into account each country's specific context and priorities.
The Delegation also engages with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the intergovernmental organisation that brings together the Delegation's six partner countries, as well as India and Afghanistan.
The intensity and focus of bilateral exchanges between the European Union and each partner country have varied over time, depending on political, economic and societal developments. Parliamentary diplomacy has become an important instrument in the EU's relations with South Asia, and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have sought to reinforce the EU's engagement whenever regional, political, human rights or economic developments warranted closer attention.
2019-2024: 9th parliamentary term
During the European Parliament's 9th parliamentary term (2019-2024), the Delegation organised 15 official and more than 7 informal meetings with partners from the countries of South Asia.
Current parliamentary term
The Delegation continues its active programme during the Parliament's current, 9th term, which began following the European elections in 2024.
Highlights so far include:
- A meeting with the Prime Minister of Bhutan in January 2025
- A mission to Pakistan, including Lahore, with the organisation of the EU-Pakistan Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM) in April 2025
- The EU-Kingdom of Bhutan Inter-Parliamentary Meeting (IPM) in October 2025
In times of significant change in international relations, the Delegation's dynamic schedule enables the European Parliament to closely follow the development of the EU's relations with the South Asian region.
More broadly, the Delegation's sustained engagement in inter-parliamentary dialogue contributes to deepening EU-South Asia relations, fostering cooperation and building greater mutual understanding between the European Union and its six partner countries in the region.