India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to Brussels, Belgium from June 9-11, 2025, as part of his efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union and its member states.
During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar held delegation-level talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Maxime Prévot, reviewing the progress of ongoing collaborations and exploring new avenues for enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, semiconductors, renewable energy, defence, security, and pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Jaishankar also met President of the European Commission H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Parliament H.E. Ms. Roberta Metsola, and co-chaired the first India-EU Strategic Dialogue with EU High Representative and Vice President Ms. Kaja Kallas. The dialogue focused on defense and security, counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber issues, and other key regional and global developments.
The two sides reiterated their shared ambition of concluding a balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of this year. They expressed satisfaction with the growing impetus in relations across various areas, including trade, technology, defense, security, skills, talent mobility, and connectivity.
Dr. Jaishankar also discussed progress on the India-EU FTA negotiations with Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, space and defense industrial cooperation with Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, and the India-EU Connectivity Partnership with Commissioner Jozef Sikela.
An Administrative Arrangement was signed during the visit, aiming to leverage strengths and expertise of both sides to promote developmental projects in third countries. The arrangement 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.
Dr. Jaishankar's meetings with European Commissioners also focused on key areas such as defense industry, trade and economic security, and space. He 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.
The visit reflects the momentum in India-EU relations, with both sides attaching high priority to strengthening ties. The Indian External Affairs Minister's three-month visit comes after the historic visit of the College of Commissioners to India and underscores the commitment to further deepening commercial engagement and unlocking new opportunities.
Dr. Jaishankar also addressed the German Marshall Fund Brussels Forum on the topic "A New Global Order," engaging with representatives of the Indian community in Belgium and Luxembourg, and interacting with prominent media during his visit.