Brussels [Belgium], July 15 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began a high-level diplomatic visit to Brussels on Wednesday, holding talks with European Council President Antonio Costa to strengthen the India-European Union Strategic Partnership.
Jaishankar is on an official visit to Belgium from July 14-15, where he is attending the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting with a senior delegation of Indian ministers and government officials.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar shared an update on X, stating, “Pleased to call on President of the European Council @antoniolscosta alongside CIM @PiyushGoyal, MoS MEITY @JitinPrasada and Principal Scientific Advisor Prof Ajay K Sood. Conveyed warm wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Joined my colleagues to recognise the significant progress in our partnership since the landmark India-EU summit earlier this year. Value his guidance and warm sentiments for advancing our trade and technology cooperation.”
The discussions highlighted the growing scope of India-EU cooperation, with a focus on innovation, trade, strategic collaboration, and technology, building on the momentum generated by the landmark India-EU summit held earlier this year.
At the start of his visit to Brussels, Jaishankar also held extensive talks with Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission.
Describing the meeting on X, Jaishankar said, “Started my visit to Brussels, meeting with EU HRVP @kajakallas. Had useful discussions on West Asia and the need to ensure peace and stability. Exchanged views on the importance of safe and unimpeded maritime commerce. Also spoke about advancing the India-EU Strategic Partnership to ensure supply chain resilience.”
The discussions underscored shared concerns over evolving geopolitical developments, particularly in West Asia, emphasizing the importance of protecting global supply chains and ensuring freedom of navigation.
Reflecting on the meeting, Kallas described 2026 as a landmark year for India-EU relations, highlighting the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation.
In a post on X, she said, “This is a historic year for EU-India relations, with our cooperation deepening across trade, technology, security and defence. It was good to speak today with @DrSJaishankar about taking our partnership further, including on maritime security.”
“Together, we must defend freedom of navigation, protect open and resilient supply chains, as well as deepen cooperation between EU operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES and the Indian Navy to uphold security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” she added.
Jaishankar’s visit to Brussels is a key part of his current multi-nation tour and centers on the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting, where both sides aim to deepen cooperation on economic security, digital transformation, clean energy, critical technologies, and resilient supply chains. (ANI)
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