A new chapter in India-EU ties opened up in January 2026 with the announcement of the historic and landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), dubbed as the “mother of all deals”. Now, continuing that momentum and giving it a further push, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met several European leaders, discussing trade, investment to defence.
Jaishankar arrived in Brussels on Sunday (March 15, 2026) for a two-day visit at the invitation of European Union (EU) High Representative and Vice President Ms Kaja Kallas to interact with Foreign Ministers of the 27 EU Member States at the Foreign Affairs Council Meeting.
The stronger convergence between India and EU in a multipolar world is also expressed in closer consultations, Jaishankar underlined on Monday (March 16, 2026) after meeting his fellow Foreign Ministers from European Union. He also discussed the West Asia conflict, the Ukraine situation and the Indo-Pacific in today’s gathering.
Jaishankar’s Brussels visit: Adding momentum to India-EU FTA
While the ties between India and the EU already witnessed a rather significant push as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen along with European Council President Antonio Luís Santos da Costa attended the Republic Day Parade 2026 as Chief Guests, completing their India visit with the announcement of the landmark FTA.
India-EU partnership is not new, but one that dates back over two decades. They have been strategic partners since 2004, but the India-EU ties took on a new urgency and depth in recent years, particularly following the visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February 2025.
The India-EU trade agreement is among the biggest and most ambitious trade deals in the world. Bringing two major economies of the world together, it covers tariffs, investment, digital trade, services, among other things. EU chief Leyen, in her statement underlined that the India-EU FTA would create a combined market of around 2 billion people and account for nearly a quarter of global GDP.
EAM Jaishankar Brussels visit: What all happened
During the visit, coming soon after the historic 16th India-EU Summit, EAM Jaishankar held meetings with the leadership of the European Union, and his counterparts from Belgium and other EU Member States.
Following meeting with his European counterparts, Jaishankar said, “A new chapter in India-EU ties has opened up in 2026. The Foreign Ministers coordinate translating the various agreements into outcomes. Our conversation today therefore covered trade, investment, technology, mobility and defence in particular.”
He underlined that the stronger convergence between India and EU in a multipolar world is also expressed in closer consultations. “Discussed the West Asia conflict, the Ukraine situation and the Indo-Pacific in today’s gathering,” the EAM posted on X.
A meeting with Europe’s who’s who
EAM Jaishankar also called on EU Commission President von der Leyen this afternoon. “Her highly successful State visit to India this January marks a turning point in our ties. We are following up vigorously on it. Appreciate her insights on contemporary global developments,” he stated.
Earlier in the day, the External Affairs Minister met with Maxime Prevot, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of Belgium, beginning his Day 2 of the Brussels trip. The two leaders discussed intensifying our cooperation in trade & investment, semiconductors, health, technology & innovation.
Jaishankar and Prevot also “agreed to establish a Strategic Dialogue.”
West Asia conflict discussed with EU leaders
Jaishankar also took stock of the progress of India-Germany bilateral relations following the State visit of Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India. “A valuable exchange of notes on the conflict in West Asia,” the EAM shared after meeting Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
He also met FM Slovakia Juraj Blanár, saying the visit of President Peter Pellegrini to India during the India AI Action Summit last month has provided new momentum to our relations. “Discussed our bilateral agenda, including furthering cooperation in manufacturing, defence and space.”
Meanwhile, the EMA also met Greece FM Giorgos Gerapetritis at the Europa building in Brussels, with the conversation focused on enhancing diplomatic presence, strengthening connectivity and promoting trade.
He also met Netherlands FM Tom Berendsen this afternoon, and congratulated him on his recent appointment. “Discussed advancing collaboration in semiconductors, AI, water management, and other cutting-edge technologies,” the EAM shared.