Visit of External Affairs Minister to Brussels (March 15–16, 2026)

The External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to Brussels, Belgium from 15-16 March 2026 at the invitation of European Union (EU) High Representative and Vice President (HRVP), Ms Kaja Kallas. The visit, coming within six weeks of the historic State Visit of EU leaders to India as Guests of Honour for India's 77th Republic Day celebrations and the successful 16th India-EU Summit, is reflective of India's sustained high-level engagement with the European Union.

2. During the visit, EAM called on H.E. Mr. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council and H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. EAM conveyed the warm greetings of President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the EU leaders. The discussions centred on India-EU relations following the recent Summit and on priorities identified in the joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, including early signing of the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement, as well as the situation in West Asia, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific.

3. EAM participated in an interaction with the EU Foreign Affairs Council chaired by HRVP Kallas and comprising of Foreign Ministers of EU member states. Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security also joined the session. EAM highlighted the strong momentum following the India-EU Summit in January 2026, calling to unlock the full potential of the FTA, deepen defence industrial collaboration and maritime co-operation under the Security and Defence partnership, transform the Trade and Technology Council into a more outcome driven forum integrated with industry, advance sustainable development and green and clean energy collaboration, and strengthen mobility frameworks. EAM urged EU foreign ministers to realise synergies between India's relations with the European Union and with member states- a sentiment that was fully reciprocated by his EU counterparts. The Ministers also exchanged views on pressing global challenges, particularly the situation in West Asia including its effects on energy security and underlined the need for dialogue and diplomacy. They also discussed the situation in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. EAM stressed on the growing convergence between India and the EU in maintaining a stable international order and strengthening multilateralism.

4. On the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council, EAM held a bilateral meeting with EU HRVP Kallas. Both sides reaffirmed their shared ambition to further elevate India-EU cooperation to a higher strategic level. They also underlined the importance of regular consultations on key global and regional matters including the Indo-Pacific. EAM and HRVP agreed to hold the next meetings of India-EU Trade and Technology Council and the Strategic Dialogue at the earliest.

5. EAM also met bilaterally with his counterparts from Belgium, Mr. Maxime Prevot; Cyprus, Mr. Constantinos Kombos; Germany, Mr. Johann Wadephul; Greece, Mr. Georgios Gerapetritis; the Netherlands, Mr. Tom Berendsen; and Slovakia, Mr. Juraj Blanar. The discussions covered the momentum in political exchanges, the deepening economic ties, steps towards full realisation of the India-EU FTA, enhanced defence and security co-operation, collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, progress on the green transition, and the strengthening of people-to-people exchanges. In addition they also exchanged views on latest international developments. India and Belgium agreed to establish a Strategic Dialogue at the EAM-FM level.

6. EAM also interacted with media representatives in Brussels.

7. India-EU relations have entered a phase of renewed strategic momentum, with both sides intensifying engagement on implementation of the 'Towards 2030: A Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda'.

Brussels
March 17, 2026