New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar concluded his visit to Brussels on Sunday after holding a series of high-level meetings with leaders of the EU and member states.
During the visit, he engaged with the EU Foreign Affairs Council and called on António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. He also held discussions with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and conducted separate bilateral meetings with several European counterparts.
In a lengthy post on X, Jaishankar highlighted that finalising the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would mark a turning point in bilateral ties. He said the agreement would unlock economic potential and reflect the strategic depth of the partnership.
He noted that both sides should actively support trade and investment promotion to ensure that the benefits of the agreement are realised on the ground.
He said the Trade and Technology Council could be upgraded to strengthen cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
Jaishankar emphasised that both India and the EU share the objective of building resilient supply chains. He added that the agreement would deepen business linkages and support this goal.
The external affairs minister underlined the importance of the mobility of skills and talent flows. He said the establishment of the Legal Gateway Office in India was a positive step and noted the shared interest in promoting Global Capability Centres in the country.
He said the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership would be advanced further, with efforts to conclude the Security of Information Agreement at an early stage.
Connectivity remained a key priority, he said, adding that both sides would work together to operationalise initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
Jaishankar stressed that India and the EU would continue to support multilateralism at a time when global institutions face increasing pressure.
He said the strategic partnership would be strengthened through regular high-level consultations, supported by sector-specific mechanisms.
He added that in an increasingly uncertain and multipolar world, the India-EU partnership would serve as a source of stability and resilience.
