An important step in enhancing India-European Union (EU) ties, especially in the fields of trade, technology, and security, was taken on June 11, 2025, when External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, in Brussels.
Both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to pluralism and shared democratic ideals throughout their meeting, and they underlined the significance of strengthening parliamentary ties. Given the continuing free trade agreement discussions, which both parties expect will turn commitments into tangible measures for a stronger strategic partnership, Jaishankar emphasized the positive momentum in developing the India-EU partnership.
These views were mirrored by President Metsola, who expressed hope that existing promises would be turned into concrete measures to strengthen India-European strategic ties. The summit takes place as both regions look to improve cooperation in a number of areas, including as technical innovation, economic growth, and collective security measures.
Jaishankar made a number of high-profile appearances during his trip to Brussels. During his meeting with the Belgian Prime Minister and King, he emphasized strengthening India-Belgium collaboration in trade, security, and defense.
In addition, the EU reaffirmed its strong condemnation of the recent terrorist assault in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and upheld India’s right to defend its citizens in line with international law during a joint press conference with EU Vice-President Kaja Kallas. This emphasizes how India and the EU are becoming more similar in their counterterrorism operations and how crucial it is to make offenders accountable.
Jaishankar also spoke with Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, who praised the growing might of the India-EU strategic alliance. Additionally, he engaged with the Indian community in Belgium and Luxembourg, talking about the development of India-Belgium relations as well as his involvement with the EU in general. Jaishankar took advantage of this opportunity to update the diaspora on India’s continuous counterterrorism and development and prosperity initiatives.
With a distinct emphasis on advancing trade talks, strengthening strategic cooperation, and cooperatively tackling global security issues, these exchanges demonstrate a strong and multifaceted engagement between India and the EU.
