External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar interacted with members of the Indian community in Luxembourg, appreciating their role in strengthening ties between India and the European country.
Addressing the gathering, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the expanding India–Luxembourg partnership across multiple sectors, including political engagement, business and technology.
Sharing details of his meetings with Luxembourg’s leadership, he said, “I would of course like to talk to you a little bit about the relationship and the larger context. But before I do that, I must share with you that in every one of these meetings — starting with the Grand Duke, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister — I heard very strong and effusive words of praise for the Indian community.”
“When you hear that naturally from your counterparts and from the authorities of the country you are visiting, it leaves you with a very good feeling. There is a sense that, in their eyes, this is a community that is very well integrated and seen as highly contributive,” he added.
The External Affairs Minister said that the partnership between India and Luxembourg holds particular significance for several reasons.
He noted that Luxembourg lies at the heart of the European Union and, as one of its founding members, wields considerable influence over the EU and its decision-making processes.
At a time when India is seeking to ramp up engagement with the European Union, Luxembourg’s role in Brussels assumes added importance, he said.
“And I was given the fullest assurance that, as you know, we are currently at a very advanced stage of negotiating a free trade agreement. In other areas — whether technology, defence, connectivity or mobility — a lot is happening with the European Union. The influence of Luxembourg and the goodwill it extends in support of this relationship will surely come into play,” Jaishankar stated.
Earlier on Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar called on the Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg and conveyed warm greetings from President Droupadi Murmu.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar took to social media platform X and wrote, “Value his positive sentiments for India, and for deepening our bilateral partnership.”
— IANS
