Brussels [Belgium], July 15 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held extensive talks with senior European leaders, saying India and the European Union have made significant progress in strengthening bilateral ties following their high-level summit in January.
During his two-day official visit to Belgium from July 14-15, Jaishankar discussed a broad range of issues, including trade, technology, security, maritime commerce, and supply chain resilience, with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas.
Jaishankar is in Belgium to attend the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting and engage with his European Union and Belgian counterparts. A senior Indian delegation, including Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State Jitin Prasada, is accompanying him.
Following his meeting with Costa, Jaishankar posted on X: “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 India-EU Summit was held in New Delhi in January, when Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited India as chief guests for the Republic Day celebrations. Co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders, the summit resulted in a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a comprehensive Security and Defence Partnership.
At the start of his visit to Brussels, Jaishankar met with Kallas to discuss the conflict in West Asia, regional stability, and the importance of ensuring safe and unimpeded maritime commerce. The two leaders also discussed advancing the India-EU Strategic Partnership to strengthen supply chain resilience.
Describing the meeting on X, Jaishankar wrote, “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.”
Calling 2026 a “historic year for EU-India relations,” Kallas 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 also met with Flanders Minister-President Matthias Diependaele and Minister Annick De Ridder to discuss regional business and investment opportunities.
Commenting on the discussions, Jaishankar said, “The India-EU FTA has enabled a wide range of possibilities for India’s cooperation with Belgium. Discussed opportunities for businesses and investments from the Flanders region.”
The high-level meetings in Brussels focused on expanding India-EU strategic cooperation across trade, technology, and security while promoting new business and investment opportunities in Belgium. (ANI)
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