EAM Jaishankar’s Brussels visit reinforces India’s ties with EU, Belgium

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar concluded a three-day official visit to Brussels from June 9 to 11, reinforcing India’s deepening ties with both the European Union and Belgium.

In a major boost to India-EU relations, Jaishankar met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and co-chaired the first-ever India-EU Strategic Dialogue with EU High Representative and Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

Jaishankar and von der Leyen reaffirmed their commitment to concluding a “balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial” Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of cooperation across sectors such as trade, technology, defence and security, mobility of skilled professionals, and connectivity. They also discussed preparations for the next India-EU Summit, agreeing to hold the next meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) before the summit.

A key highlight of the visit was the Strategic Dialogue held on June 10, where Jaishankar and Kallas held wide-ranging discussions on enhancing collaboration in defence and security, counter-terrorism, maritime security, and cyber issues.

They also reviewed the proposed India-EU Security and Defence Partnership, a Security of Information Agreement, and plans for a comprehensive Space Dialogue.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments. The European Union strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reiterated its support for India’s right to defend its citizens.

During his engagements with European Commissioners, Jaishankar discussed key areas of cooperation. He reviewed progress on the FTA negotiations with Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, explored space and defence industry collaboration with Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius, and discussed connectivity initiatives with Commissioner Jozef Sikela.

The visit also saw the signing of an Administrative Arrangement for Trilateral Cooperation in development projects, aimed at leveraging the expertise of both India and the EU to support initiatives in third countries.

Strengthening bilateral ties with Belgium was another major focus of the visit.

Jaishankar met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its close partnership with Belgium across a broad spectrum of areas.

He also held delegation-level talks with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot.

The two sides reviewed ongoing collaborations and explored new opportunities in key sectors including semiconductors, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, trade and investment, and security. Belgium reiterated its solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism.

The visit came on the heels of the EU College of Commissioners’ visit to India and the Belgian Economic Mission to New Delhi, signaling growing momentum in India’s ties with Europe.

According to the MEA, Jaishankar’s Brussels engagements marked “a significant step forward in reinforcing the vision for a future-oriented partnership” with both the EU and Belgium.