India-EU talks: Jaishankar meets EU leaders in Brussels on FTA and security partnership

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met European Union leaders and foreign ministers in Brussels to discuss implementation of recent India-EU agreements, including the free trade deal and a security partnership. He held talks with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and reviewed key global issues.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met senior European Union leaders and foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday. The talks reviewed how India and the EU are carrying out recently agreed deals. The discussions also covered major global issues, including West Asia, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to the capital of Belgium.

After joining the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Jaishankar posted, "Delighted to meet my fellow Foreign Ministers from the European Union today in Brussels.\" Jaishankar said a new chapter in India-EU ties has opened in 2026. Jaishankar said the meeting focused on turning agreements into real outcomes for both sides.

India-EU ties and Foreign Affairs Council talks

Jaishankar said the ministers discussed trade, investment, technology, mobility, and defence. Jaishankar also pointed to stronger alignment in a multipolar world. Jaishankar added that leaders exchanged views on the West Asia conflict and the Ukraine situation. Jaishankar also said the Indo-Pacific was part of the conversation.

Jaishankar met EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas and thanked Kallas for the invitation. Jaishankar later wrote, \"Our conversations on various bilateral and global issues were enriching. Agreed to maintain close and continuing contact.\" The meeting also covered the follow-up work needed after recent India-EU decisions.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement and security partnership

Jaishankar called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and referred to von der Leyen’s India visit. Jaishankar said the January state visit marked a turning point in ties. Jaishankar wrote, \"We are following up vigorously on it,\" and noted von der Leyen’s views on current global developments.

Von der Leyen later said the EU and India are focused on putting the new arrangements into action. \"At the EU-India Summit in January, we concluded our Free Trade Agreement - the mother of all deals - and signed a Security and Defence Partnership. Now we are focused on efficient implementation, to deliver for the people of Europe and India as soon as possible,\" von der Leyen said.

The two leaders also discussed West Asia and Ukraine, according to von der Leyen’s post. \"De-escalation, stability and energy security are our shared objectives,\" the EU leader said. India and the EU sealed the Free Trade Agreement after the January 27 summit. The summit involved Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior EU leadership.

India-EU ties and meetings with European Council leaders

Jaishankar also met European Council President Antonio Costa during the Brussels visit. Jaishankar conveyed India’s appreciation for Costa’s support in deepening relations. \"His guidance and support have taken India-EU ties to a new level,\" Jaishankar said. Jaishankar added that continued encouragement would help advance the wider partnership.

Jaishankar’s visit is the first high-level trip from India to Brussels after the FTA was finalised. Jaishankar travelled to Brussels on Sunday. The EU, as a bloc, remains India’s largest trading partner in goods. The new agreements are expected to shape the direction of cooperation across sectors.

India-EU ties and bilateral talks with EU foreign ministers

Jaishankar held separate meetings with several European counterparts. Jaishankar met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and discussed the West Asia conflict. The two also reviewed progress in India-Germany relations after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s state visit to India. Jaishankar also met Greece’s Giorgos Gerapetritis to discuss links and regional impacts.

In a post after meeting Gerapetritis, Jaishankar wrote, \"Our conversation focused on enhancing diplomatic presence, strengthening connectivity and promoting trade. Also discussed repercussions of the West Asia conflict.\" Jaishankar also met Slovakia’s Juraj Blanar to discuss manufacturing, defence, and space. Jaishankar said Slovak President Peter Pellegrini’s India visit gave fresh momentum.

Jaishankar met Netherlands Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and congratulated Berendsen on the new appointment. The talks covered cooperation in semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Water management and other emerging technologies also featured. Jaishankar also noted the Dutch minister’s commitment to further support stronger India-EU relations.

Trade figures underline the scale of the relationship discussed in Brussels. In the financial year 2024-25, India’s goods trade with the EU was about USD 136 billion. Exports were around USD 76 billion, while imports stood at USD 60 billion. Officials framed the meetings as steps towards implementing the new agreements and managing shared global concerns.

With inputs from PTI