Speaking to members of the Indian community in Belgium and Luxembourg during his official visit to Europe from June 8–14, 2025, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted the notable advancements in India-Belgium relations as well as India’s expanding involvement with the European Union.
The strong economic partnership between India and Belgium, which currently encompasses a variety of industries like trade, investment, technology, pharmaceuticals, green energy, the diamond industry, and strong people-to-people ties, was highlighted by Jaishankar during his conversation about the strengthening of bilateral ties.
Along with highlighting the government’s commitment to a policy of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism, Jaishankar also gave the community an update on India’s continued efforts to combat terrorism and advance national progress and prosperity. Updates on India’s diplomatic efforts and the progress of India-EU ties, especially in fields like clean energy, transportation, and medicines, were provided by him.
Jaishankar and Maxime Prevot, the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, met at the start of the visit to Belgium and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in commerce, technology, defense, and counterterrorism. Jaishankar acknowledged the convergence of strategic interests between the two nations and expressed gratitude for Belgium’s unity in the fight against terrorism, particularly in light of Princess Astrid of Belgium’s recent economic mission to India, which covered labor migration, defense, diamonds, space exploration, and green energy.
Jaishankar’s visit took place at the same time as Mehul Choksi, a wanted Indian diamantaire, was arrested in Belgium. Given the current extradition treaty between India and Belgium, the issue is anticipated to be raised during the minister’s visit. Choksi, who was wanted in India for a significant bank fraud, was detained in mid-April in response to India’s request for his extradition.
In addition to Belgium, Jaishankar’s European tour entails high-level meetings with the European Union and France, where he is taking part in multilateral events like the Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue and strategic discussions, further demonstrating India’s dedication to multilateralism and international collaboration.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaishankar’s visit is expected to strengthen India’s ties with France, Belgium, and the EU and provide new impetus for further collaboration across a variety of fields.
India values its overseas populations and their significance in bolstering bilateral and multilateral partnerships, as demonstrated by Jaishankar’s interactions with the Indian diaspora in Belgium and Luxembourg.
