India’s diplomatic outreach in Europe gathered further momentum as External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with European counterparts during his visit to Brussels, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity and global security.
Concluded a productive visit to Brussels, meeting with the #EuropeanUnion Foreign Affairs Council, calling on Presidents of the @EUCouncil António Costa and @EU_Commission @vonderleyen, and holding talks with EU HRVP @kajakallas. Also met EU counterparts and held separate… pic.twitter.com/Ff0s5HdOoY
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 16, 2026
During the visit, Jaishankar met Greece’s Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis at the Europa Building, where discussions centred on enhancing diplomatic presence, improving connectivity and expanding trade between India and Greece. The two leaders also exchanged views on the wider geopolitical repercussions of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
He also held talks with Slovakia’s Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, reviewing the growing partnership between India and Slovakia. Both sides acknowledged that the recent visit of Slovak President Peter Pellegrini to India for the India AI Action Summit had provided fresh momentum to bilateral relations. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in manufacturing, defence and the space sector.
Dr Jaishankar further met Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, where the two leaders exchanged views on developments in West Asia and reviewed the progress of India–Germany relations following the state visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India.
In another key engagement, the External Affairs Minister met the Netherlands’ Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen, congratulating him on his recent appointment. Their discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, water management and other advanced technology sectors, while also underlining a shared commitment to deepening India–EU cooperation.
Dr Jaishankar also called on the President of the European Council, António Costa, expressing appreciation for his continued guidance and support in advancing ties between India and the European Union. Both sides acknowledged that India–EU relations have entered a new phase of strategic partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation.
The meetings formed part of India’s broader diplomatic push to deepen engagement with Europe across trade, technology, connectivity and defence, while also exchanging views on pressing global issues including the situation in West Asia, the conflict in Ukraine and developments in the Indo-Pacific region.
