External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began his visit to Brussels on Tuesday with a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening the India-European Union Strategic Partnership, focusing on regional security, maritime cooperation, trade and technology.
EAM Jaishankar first met European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, during which the two leaders discussed developments in West Asia and the importance of ensuring peace and stability in the region.
In a post on X, the External Affairs Minister said the discussions also covered the need to safeguard safe and unimpeded maritime commerce and ways to advance the India-EU Strategic Partnership to strengthen supply chain resilience.
The minister later called on President of the European Council António Costa, accompanied by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada, and Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay K. Sood.
During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm greetings to President Costa and highlighted the significant progress made in India-EU relations since the landmark India-EU Summit held earlier this year.
The leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in trade and technology, with EAM Jaishankar appreciating President Costa’s continued guidance and support for strengthening bilateral ties.
As part of his engagements in Belgium, EAM Jaishankar also met Minister-President of Flanders Matthias Diependaele and Flemish Minister Annick De Ridder.
Thanking the Flemish leadership for hosting the Indian delegation, the External Affairs Minister said the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has opened up wide-ranging opportunities for cooperation between India and Belgium.
The discussions focused on enhancing business partnerships and attracting greater investment from the Flanders region, further reinforcing economic ties between India and Belgium within the broader India-EU partnership.
