External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions with top European Union leaders during his two-day visit to Brussels, focusing on strengthening strategic ties, expediting a free trade agreement, and addressing pressing global challenges.
The visit, held from March 15-16 at the invitation of Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union, came shortly after the India-EU Summit and reflected renewed high-level engagement between India and the bloc.
Meetings with top EU leadership
During the visit, Jaishankar met Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, conveying greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to the MEA, discussions focused on advancing priorities under the India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, including the early conclusion of the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Focus on trade, defence and technology
Jaishankar also participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting chaired by Kallas, where he highlighted the need to unlock the full potential of the India-EU FTA; deepen defence and maritime cooperation; strengthen collaboration under the Trade and Technology Council; expand partnerships in green energy and sustainable development; and enhance mobility and people-to-people exchanges.
He emphasised the growing convergence between India and the EU in maintaining a stable international order and strengthening multilateralism.
Global issues in focus
The MEA said that discussions also covered key international developments, including the situation in West Asia, the conflict in Ukraine, and developments in the Indo-Pacific region.
Both sides underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, particularly in addressing tensions in West Asia and their impact on global energy security.
Bilateral engagements with EU counterparts
On the sidelines of the meeting, Jaishankar held bilateral talks with several European foreign ministers, including Maxime Prevot of Belgium, Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus, Johann Wadephul of Germany, Georgios Gerapetritis of Greece, Tom Berendsen of the Netherlands, and Juraj Blanar of Slovakia.
The MEA said that talks focused on expanding political engagement, boosting trade and investment, strengthening defence cooperation, and advancing collaboration in critical and emerging technologies.
India and Belgium also agreed to establish a Strategic Dialogue at the foreign minister level, signalling deeper bilateral engagement.
Strengthening strategic partnership
In a separate meeting with Kaja Kallas, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to elevating India–EU relations to a higher strategic level and agreed to hold the next meetings of the Trade and Technology Council and Strategic Dialogue at the earliest.
Jaishankar also interacted with media representatives during the visit.
The MEA said that the visit underscores the growing momentum in India–EU relations, as both sides push forward the ‘Towards 2030: A Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda’, aiming to deepen cooperation across trade, security and global governance.
