Brussels/New Delhi, June 10 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is in Brussels, today held the first India-EU Strategic Dialogue with the EU High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas.
Separately, the EAM also called on the European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, who said the two sides are working on an ambitious FTA, and looks forward to adopting it at the next India-EU summit with PM Modi.
In posts on X, EAM Jaishankar posted on the first India-EU Strategic Dialogue.
“Concluded the 1st India - European Union Strategic Dialogue with EU HRVP @kajakallas in Brussels today.
“Held productive discussions on deepening our cooperation in defence, maritime security, counter - terrorism, cyber & AI, space and our defence industry collaborations.
“Also shared perspectives on Indo - Pacific, situation in Europe and West Asia.
“As political democracies, market economies and pluralistic societies, India and the EU share many convergences in an increasingly multipolar world.”
Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, termed the dialogue a big step in the partnership.
“Today, we hosted the first ever EU–India Strategic Dialogue.
“This is a big step forward for our partnership — tackling issues such as maritime security, space and paving the way for deeper defence cooperation.”
The EAM, on his meeting with the European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen, welcomed her “strong condemnation of terrorist attack in Pahalgam and solidarity in combatting terrorism”.
“Pleased to call on @EU_Commission President @vonderleyen this morning.
“Welcomed her strong condemnation of terrorist attack in Pahalgam and solidarity in combatting terrorism.
“Discussed efforts underway to deepen the India - EU partnership. Agreed on the potential benefits of stronger cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity and security for both our regions.”
Von Der Leyen said in a post:
“Welcome to my friend @DrSJaishankar
“The EU-India strategic partnership is getting stronger.
“We’re working on a Strategic Agenda based on growth with an ambitious FTA, tech & innovation and security & defence.
“I look forward to adopting it with @narendramodi at our next Summit.”
Separately, EAM Jaishankar called on Belgium PM Bart De Wever.
“Delighted to call on Prime Minister @Bart_DeWever of Belgium.
“Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi.
“Discussed furthering our cooperation in trade, security & defence, investment, clean energy, semiconductors and innovation.”
He was also received by the Belgium King Philippe.
“Greatly honoured to be received by His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium this afternoon.
“Value his warm sentiments for India and his guidance on deepening our ties.”
UNI RN