Dr. Jaishankar Strengthens India’s Ties with Belgium and EU During Brussels Visit

Brussels: India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is currently on a three-day official visit to Brussels, Belgium, aimed at strengthening India's ties with both Belgium and the European Union across multiple sectors.

On the first day of his visit, Dr. Jaishankar held a key meeting with Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. Both leaders reviewed the ongoing collaboration between their countries and explored opportunities to expand cooperation in sectors such as trade, semiconductors, renewable energy, defense, security, and pharmaceuticals.

The Belgian Foreign Minister reaffirmed his country’s solidarity with India in the global fight against terrorism. During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar also had the honor of meeting His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, further reinforcing high-level bilateral engagement.

In a separate set of meetings with European Union leaders, Dr. Jaishankar met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Both sides reaffirmed their joint ambition to conclude a balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year.

Dr. Jaishankar also met European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to discuss the growing momentum in India-EU parliamentary cooperation. On behalf of Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, he conveyed greetings and extended a renewed invitation for her to visit India.

Co-chairing the India-EU Strategic Dialogue with EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas, Dr. Jaishankar discussed critical areas including defense cooperation, counterterrorism, maritime security, and cybersecurity. The two sides also explored a proposed security and defense partnership, an information security agreement, and the establishment of a comprehensive space dialogue.

Additionally, Dr. Jaishankar engaged in high-level discussions with several European Commissioners: Andrius Kubilius (Defense Industry and Space), Maroš Šefčovič (Trade and Economic Security), and Jozef Sikela (International Partnerships). Their talks focused on advancing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, enhancing defense and space collaboration, and expanding connectivity partnerships. A new administrative arrangement was signed to support trilateral cooperation for joint development projects in third countries.

As part of his broader engagement, Dr. Jaishankar addressed the Brussels Forum organized by the German Marshall Fund on the theme of "A New Global Order." In his remarks, he outlined India’s perspective on evolving geopolitical dynamics and India's role in shaping a balanced international system.

Later, Dr. Jaishankar interacted with members of the Indian diaspora in Belgium and Luxembourg. He highlighted the growing India-Belgium and India-EU partnerships, India’s global development initiatives, and the country’s continuing efforts in counterterrorism. His outreach further strengthened the connection between the Indian community abroad and India’s expanding global role.

Dr. Jaishankar’s visit underscores India’s sustained diplomatic engagement with both Belgium and the European Union, as the two sides continue to deepen cooperation across trade, technology, security, and global governance.