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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held extensive talks with top European leaders, noting that New Delhi and the European Union have made major strides in bilateral ties following their high-level summit held in January.
During his two-day official visit to Belgium from July 14 to 15, the External Affairs Minister on Tuesday deliberated on a wide range of bilateral 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 currently in Belgium to attend the 3rd India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) assembly and engage with his EU and Belgian counterparts. A senior Indian delegation, including Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Minister of State Jitin Prasada, is accompanying him. Following his meeting with Costa, the External Affairs Minister posted on social media platform 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." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2077131631421255817?s=20 Significantly, the India-EU Summit took place in New Delhi earlier this January, during which Costa, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, travelled to the Indian capital as chief guests for the Republic Day celebrations. Co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the EU leadership, the pivotal summit resulted in a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a comprehensive new Security and Defence Partnership. Beginning his diplomatic itinerary in Brussels, Jaishankar first met Kallas to review the West Asia conflict, regional stability, and the critical need for safe and unimpeded maritime commerce. The two leaders also discussed advancing the India-EU Strategic Partnership to ensure supply chain resilience. Detailing the interaction on X, Jaishankar stated, "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." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2077127888814440925?s=20 Terming the current period a "historic year for EU-India relations", Kallas stated, "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." https://x.com/kajakallas/status/2077088388176306365?s=20 "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. Expanding the scope of his visit, the External Affairs Minister also held talks with the Minister-President of Flanders, Matthias Diependaele, and Minister Annick De Ridder to explore regional business opportunities. Commenting on the dialogue, Jaishankar noted, "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." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2077138030045823269?s=20 The high-level discussions in Brussels focused on scaling up India-EU strategic ties across core sectors such as trade, technology, and security, while simultaneously tapping into fresh business and investment opportunities in Belgium. (ANI)
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