Jaishankar Engages EU Leadership in Brussels, Expands Strategic Dialogue on Global Conflicts and Bilateral Cooperation
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions with foreign ministers from the 27-member European Union in Brussels.
He addressed key geopolitical developments such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, escalating tensions in West Asia, and the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region, along with the growing trajectory of India-Europe relations.
Jaishankar travelled to the Belgian capital at the invitation of Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to participate in a session of the Foreign Affairs Council — a key platform that convenes foreign ministers from all EU member nations.
During his visit, he also met Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in addition to holding bilateral talks with counterparts from countries including Germany and Belgium.
Sharing details of the engagement, Jaishankar noted that the increasing alignment between India and the EU in an increasingly multipolar global order is reflected in intensified diplomatic engagement and policy coordination.
He highlighted that deliberations during the Council meeting covered critical international developments, including the situation in West Asia, the conflict in Ukraine, and strategic considerations in the Indo-Pacific.
Emphasising the strengthening of ties, Jaishankar remarked that India-EU relations have entered a new and more dynamic phase this year.
Both sides, he said, are actively working to convert recent agreements into tangible outcomes.
The discussions also extended to key areas such as commerce, cross-border investments, technological collaboration, mobility frameworks, and defence cooperation.
This marked Jaishankar’s first trip to Brussels since India and the EU finalised a landmark free trade agreement, along with several significant accords during the India-EU Summit held in New Delhi in January.
These included a Security and Defence Partnership aimed at enhancing collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts, maritime safety, and cybersecurity, as well as a comprehensive arrangement to facilitate mobility between the two regions.
Addressing the media, Kallas stated that the Council also reviewed measures to safeguard maritime navigation through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, including potential contributions from the EU’s naval mission, Aspides, and broader plans for strengthening Europe’s security architecture.
She cautioned that while developments in the Middle East demand attention, they should not divert focus from the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Kallas also warned that any relaxation of US sanctions on Russian oil could set a troubling precedent with far-reaching implications.
In his separate interaction with von der Leyen, Jaishankar discussed the execution of decisions taken during the January summit.
He described her recent visit to India as a defining moment in bilateral relations, adding that both sides are actively pursuing follow-up measures.
Von der Leyen, in her remarks, underlined that the conclusion of the free trade agreement and the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership represent major milestones.
She added that the immediate priority now is to ensure swift and effective implementation to deliver concrete benefits to citizens in both Europe and India.
She also noted that discussions touched upon developments in both West Asia and Ukraine, stressing that de-escalation of conflicts, regional stability, and energy security remain shared priorities for India and the EU.
On the sidelines of the main meeting, Jaishankar conducted separate bilateral engagements with several European leaders, including Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul, Slovakia’s foreign minister Juraj Blanár, Greece’s foreign minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, and Belgium’s foreign minister Maxime Prevost.
These meetings focused on strengthening bilateral partnerships and assessing the broader global impact of ongoing conflicts, particularly in West Asia.
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