EAM Dr. Jaishankar’s Visit to Brussels – A Report

By

Dr. Somita Chakraborty


At the invitation High Representative and Vice President (HRVP) of European Union (EU) Ms Kaja Kallas, EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar paid a two days (15th and 16th March) official visit to Brussels, Belgium. It reflects India’s growing and constant high-level engagement with EU. Just one and half months ago, EU leaders visited India as Guests of Honour for India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations.   

During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar met with President of the European Council, Mr. Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ms. Ursula von der Leyen. Dr. Jaishankar conveyed the warm greetings of President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi to the EU leaders. They discussed various issues related to India-EU relations, including identifying priorities in the joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, early signing of the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement as well as situations in West Asia, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific.

EAM Dr. Jaishankar also participated in an interaction with the EU Foreign Affairs Council, comprising of Foreign Ministers of EU member states and chaired by HRVP Kallas. European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Mr. Maroš Šefčovič also joined the session. During the interaction EAM highlighted the strong momentum following the India-EU Summit in January 2026. He also emphasized on a few issues, for example, opening the full potential of the FTA, defence industrial collaboration and maritime co-operation under the Security and Defence partnership, transformation of the Trade and Technology Council to a more outcome driven platform and integrated with industry, advance sustainable development as well as green and clean energy collaboration, and strengthening India-Eu mobility frameworks etc. He urged to EU foreign ministers to comprehend synergies between India’s relations with the EU and its member states. His EU counterparts also reciprocated similar sentiment. They also exchanged views on various global challenges, such as, the situation in West Asia, including its effects on energy security. They stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy, a position which India consistentlysupported. They also discussed situation in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of growing convergence between India and the EU in maintaining a stable international order and strengthening multilateralism.

On the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council, Dr. Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with EU HRVP Ms Kaja Kallas. Both sides reaffirmed their shared ambition to further elevate India–EU cooperation to a higher strategic level. They also underlined the importance of regular discussions on key global as well as regional matters, including the Indo-Pacific. EAM Dr. Jaishankar and HRVP Ms. Kallas decided to hold the next meetings of India-EU Trade and Technology Council and the Strategic Dialogue at the earliest.

Dr. Jaishankar also met bilaterally with his counterparts from Belgium, Mr. Maxime Prevot; Germany, Mr. Johann Wadephul; Cyprus, Mr. Constantinos Kombos; the Netherlands, Mr. Tom Berendsen; Greece, Mr. Georgios Gerapetritis; and Slovakia, Mr. Juraj Blanar.

The discussions covered the momentum in high-level political exchanges, the deepening economic ties, greater defence and security co-operation, collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, progress on the green transition etc. India and Belgium also agreed to establish a Strategic Dialogue at the EAM-FM level.

The visit established a phase of renewed strategic momentum in India–EU relations, with both sides intensifying engagement on implementation of the ‘Towards 2030: A Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda’.

For detail

Visit of External Affairs Minister to Brussels (March 15–16, 2026)

https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/40916/Visit_of_External_Affairs_Minister_to_Brussels_March_1516_2026 

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