Daijiworld Media Network - Brussels
Brussels, Jun 9: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met with Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot on Monday, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening ties with Belgium and the European Union (EU).
Jaishankar praised Belgium’s support and solidarity in combatting terrorism and welcomed the warm, friendly relations between the two countries, which include robust economic partnerships in sectors like trade, green energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, and diamonds.
“Pleased to meet DPM and FM Maxime Prevot at the start of my visit to Belgium. Welcomed Belgium’s support and solidarity in combatting terrorism. Appreciated the strong momentum of our bilateral engagement and the India-EU partnership,” Jaishankar posted on X. “Held wide-ranging discussions on deepening cooperation in trade, investment, technology, defence and security, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, and mobility.”
Jaishankar is on an official visit to France, Belgium, and the EU from June 8 to 14, aiming to strengthen India’s relationships and advance cooperation across various sectors.
India’s partnership with Belgium currently spans trade and investment, green energy, technology, and the diamond industry, bolstered by strong people-to-people ties.
During his Belgium visit, Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet senior Belgian leadership and interact with the Indian community.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the visit would include a Strategic Dialogue with the EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas. Jaishankar will also engage with senior leaders from the European Commission and Parliament, as well as think tanks and media, to boost the India-EU strategic partnership, which received a significant push during the EU College of Commissioners’ historic visit to India earlier this year.
Following Belgium, Jaishankar will travel to Paris and Marseille for bilateral talks with France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean Noel Barrot. He will also participate in the inaugural Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue in Marseille.
“India and France have completed 25 years of strategic partnership, marked by deep trust and close cooperation across all strategic and contemporary issues,” the MEA said. “Jaishankar will also meet with senior French leaders, think tanks, and media.”
The visit underscores India’s commitment to advancing its partnerships in Europe and building strategic cooperation with key allies.