Jaishankar begins two-day Brussels visit, to hold talks with EU foreign ministers

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday began a two-day visit to Brussels from March 15 to March 16 for talks with foreign ministers of the 27-member European Union , aimed at strengthening the India–EU strategic partnership and expanding cooperation across trade, technology and global security.

The visit, the first high-level engagement from India with the Brussels-based bloc after the recent India–EU summit , comes at the invitation of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Vice President Kaja Kallas . Jaishankar will interact with the foreign ministers of EU member states during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting .

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the external affairs minister will also hold bilateral meetings with the European Union leadership , as well as his counterparts from Belgium and other EU member states to review relations and explore ways to deepen cooperation.

The Foreign Affairs Council discussions are expected to focus on major global developments, including the Russia–Ukraine conflict , the evolving Middle East situation , and the broader implications for energy security, shipping routes and global supply chains .

The visit follows the 16th India–EU Summit held in New Delhi on January 27 , during which India and the EU concluded negotiations on an ambitious free trade agreement , often described as the “ mother of all deals ”. The negotiations had resumed in 2022 after remaining stalled since 2013 , and are part of a wider set of agreements that also cover investment protection and geographical indications .

The agreement is expected to expand market access, investment flows and supply chain cooperation between the two sides. The European Union is among India’s largest trading partners , with bilateral goods trade exceeding €120 billion annually .

Beyond trade, India and the EU are also looking to strengthen cooperation in technology and digital partnerships, resilient supply chains, clean energy and security collaboration , reflecting a growing convergence between the two sides on key global challenges.

The ministry said Jaishankar’s visit is expected to further deepen the India–EU strategic partnership and build momentum following the recent summit-level engagements between the two sides.