The North News
New Delhi, June 12
India and the European Union have reasserted their shared ambition to seal a long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA) by end of this year, as External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar wrapped up a three-day diplomatic engagement in Brussels marked by high-level talks and fresh pledges of cooperation. Described as a “future-focused” visit by New Delhi, the trip featured a wide range of strategic discussions — from defence and space to digital connectivity and international development. Jaishankar met with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and European Parliament head Roberta Metsola, alongside top EU commissioners responsible for trade, defence, and partnerships.
The centrepiece of the visit was the first India-EU Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, aimed at upgrading the bilateral architecture. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to deeper collaboration on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security, with Brussels strongly condemning the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
Jaishankar also engaged in bilateral talks with Belgium’s King Philippe and Prime Minister Bart De Wever, delivering personal messages from both President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Belgian leadership, in turn, reaffirmed support for India in its fight against terrorism and called for greater commercial and political alignment. In addition, Dr Jaishankar addressed the Brussels Forum hosted by the German Marshall Fund, speaking on shifting global power structures, and held dialogues with members of the Indian diaspora across Belgium and Luxembourg.
A trilateral cooperation framework was signed during the visit, aimed at leveraging EU-India capabilities to support development in third countries — a signal of growing joint influence on the global stage.
The visit builds on recent diplomatic momentum, including the College of Commissioners’ landmark visit to India and a Belgian trade mission, all pointing to a renewed seriousness in delivering a comprehensive partnership between the two democracies.
