External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar embarked on an official visit to France, the European Union, and Belgium from June 8 to 14, marking a pivotal step in India’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its strategic footprint across Europe.
The week-long visit is aimed at deepening India’s bilateral ties with key European partners and exploring new avenues of cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, climate action, and global security. The visit comes at a time when India’s relations with Europe are undergoing a notable upswing, driven by shared values and converging global interests.
France: Celebrating 25 Years of Strategic Partnership
EAM Jaishankar will first visit France, with stops in Paris and Marseille. In Paris, he will hold high-level bilateral talks with France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, and engage with senior French leadership. He is also scheduled to meet leading French think tanks and media representatives, underscoring the growing public diplomacy between the two nations.
The visit is significant as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership. The two nations enjoy a relationship built on mutual trust and collaboration, with strong cooperation across defense, space, nuclear energy, climate change, and regional security. Their shared worldview on critical international issues continues to make France one of India’s closest allies in Europe.
In Marseille, EAM Jaishankar will participate in the inaugural edition of the Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue — a new platform designed to expand India’s strategic engagement in the Mediterranean region.
European Union: Strategic Dialogue with EU Leadership
Following his engagements in France, the External Affairs Minister will travel to Brussels to strengthen ties with the European Union. He will lead the Strategic Dialogue with EU High Representative and Vice President, Kaja Kallas, and will also meet senior leaders from the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Belgium: Boosting Bilateral and Economic Ties
The final leg of the visit will take Dr. Jaishankar to Belgium, where he will hold bilateral consultations with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. The minister will also meet with other senior officials and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.
India and Belgium enjoy a robust partnership, particularly in sectors such as trade and investment, green energy, pharmaceuticals, diamonds, and cutting-edge technologies. The strong people-to-people connections further enrich the relationship, making Belgium a valuable European partner.
