Prime Minister Rõivas calls India to cooperate in resolving the situation of the Estonian pirate fighters

Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas met at Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) with Vijay Kumar Singh, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, to discuss the situation of 14 Estonian pirate fighters, currently jailed in India.

The Prime Minister said that the situation of the Estonian nationals has persisted for a long time and the protracted trial is of concern to all Estonians.

"We hope that our ship security team is treated well and that a prompt solution to the issue is found within the limits prescribed by legislation, so that they could return home," Rõivas said.

The Prime Minister and India’s Minister of State also discussed economic relations and opportunities to increase trade between the two countries. Rõivas invited Indian companies that are orientated to the EU market to invest in Estonia and asserted that the Estonian business climate is one of the most favourable in the European Union.

The Prime Minister introduced Estonia’s e-Government services and encouraged Indian companies to acquaint themselves with Estonia's experience.

The Prime Minister also suggested that India open an embassy in Estonia to promote relations between the two countries.