Jun 13: External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar, paid an official visit to Brussels from 9-11 June 2025. During the visit, he called on His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium, and Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Bart De Wever and held delegation-level talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Maxime Prévot.
On the European Union (EU) side, EAM called on President of the European Commission H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Parliament H.E. Ms. Roberta Metsola. He co-chaired the first India-EU Strategic Dialogue with EU High Representative and Vice President Ms. Kaja Kallas, and met European Commissioners for Defence Industry and Space Mr. Andrius Kubilius, Trade and Economic Security Mr. Maros Sefcovic, and International Partnerships Mr. Jozef Sikela.
During his call on President von der Leyen, EAM conveyed warm greetings of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Both sides reiterated their shared ambition of concluding a balanced, ambitious and mutually beneficial FTA by the end of this year. They expressed satisfaction with the growing impetus in relations, including in the areas of trade, technology, defence and security, skills, talent mobility and connectivity and discussed the way ahead for the next India-EU Summit. Furthermore, it was agreed to hold the next meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) before the upcoming Summit.
The India-EU Strategic Dialogue takes forward the earlier annual ministerial meetings and strengthens the bilateral dialogue architecture. The two sides engaged in comprehensive discussions on issues including on defence and security, counter terrorism, maritime security and cyber issues, emphasising a shared commitment to further enhance collaboration to address evolving challenges in these areas. EAM and HRVP discussed the proposed India-EU Security and Defence Partnership, Security of Information Agreement, launch of a comprehensive Space Dialogue and charting a future roadmap for the Strategic Partnership. In addition, they exchanged perspectives on key regional and global developments. The EU side reiterated its strong condemnation of the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and India’s right to defend its citizens from terrorism.
In his meetings with European Commissioners, EAM discussed the progress on the India-EU FTA negotiations with Commissioner Sefcovic; space and defence industrial cooperation with Commissioner Kubilius; and the India-EU Connectivity Partnership with Commissioner Sikela. An Administrative Arrangement on establishing a framework for Trilateral Cooperation was signed during the visit, which aims to leverage the strengths and expertise of both sides to promote developmental projects in third countries.
EAM’s meeting with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, focused on the growing momentum and prospects for further strengthening India-EU parliamentary co-operation. He conveyed the greetings of Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla to President Metsola and reiterated the invitation extended to her to visit India. EAM also met key Members of the European Parliament from the Delegation for Relations with India, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on International Trade.
During his bilateral meetings with the Belgian side, EAM handed over a message from Hon’ble President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu and conveyed her greetings as well as greetings on behalf of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to His Majesty King Philippe. The King fondly recalled his telephonic conversation with PM Modi in March 2025. In his meeting with Prime Minister Bart De Wever, EAM reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its close partnership with Belgium across a broad spectrum of areas. Prime Minister De Wever also renewed his invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Belgium.
In the delegation-level talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, the two Ministers reviewed the progress of ongoing collaborations and explored new avenues for enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including trade and investment, semiconductors, renewable energy, defence and security, and pharmaceuticals. The Belgian side also reiterated its expression of solidarity and support to India in its fight against terrorism.
During the visit, EAM addressed the German Marshall Fund Brussels Forum on the topic ‘A New Global Order’, and engaged with representatives of the Indian community in Belgium and Luxembourg, and interacted with prominent media.
EAM’s visit, coming three months after the historic visit of the College of Commissioners to India, is reflective of the momentum in India-EU relations and the high priority both sides attach to strengthening ties. It also builds on the recent Belgian Economic Mission to India, underlining a mutual commitment to further deepening commercial engagement and unlocking new opportunities for businesses and investors on both sides. EAM’s visit to Brussels marked a significant step forward in reinforcing the vision for a future-oriented partnership with both the European Union and Belgium.
Disclaimer: We donot claim that the images used as part of the news published are always owned by us. From time to time, we use images sourced as part of news or any related images or representations. Kindly take a look at our image usage policy on how we select the image that are used as part of the news.
