Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a strong plea to the European Union and the larger international community during his official visit to Brussels in June 2025, asking them to consider factors other than the conventional India-Pakistan framework when evaluating terrorism-related incidents in Kashmir.
During high-level discussions with EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Jaishankar emphasized that terrorism, especially that which comes from Pakistan, is a global concern that would eventually affect all countries, not just India.
He urged a coordinated international response that does not reduce the matter to a bilateral quarrel, citing the recent Pahalgam terror assault in Kashmir, which took 26 lives, as a sobering reminder of the continued threat.
In light of the ongoing discussions for a comprehensive India-EU Free Trade Agreement, Jaishankar emphasized India’s geopolitical and economic importance and positioned the nation as a trustworthy and dependable partner for the EU. He compared China and India’s skilled labor pool and economic stability, arguing that India provides a more stable and safe environment for European supply chain diversification and investment. He pointed out that a number of European businesses are already moving their operations to India in an effort to reduce supply chain risk, which reflects broader worries about becoming too dependent on China.
Regarding climate policy, Jaishankar has serious concerns about the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), denouncing the idea that one area can unilaterally establish global norms. He demanded that trade laws and global climate governance be implemented in a more equal manner.
In response to a query concerning India’s strategy towards the US, especially in the event of a Donald Trump presidency, Jaishankar emphasized pragmatism by saying that India looks to develop partnerships that benefit it, independent of specific leaders or personalities.
Sincere discussions about security, economic cooperation, and the necessity of a multipolar, principled approach to global governance characterized Jaishankar’s visit to Brussels. His comments on terrorism in particular were a warning that the threat is dangerous to all countries and that the world community cannot afford to regionalize or compartmentalize it. India’s resolve to strengthen its relations with the EU and its member states in the areas of strategy, economy, and security was further strengthened by the visit.
