Jaishankar, Ursula von der Leyen discuss West Asia developments

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels and discussed the implementation of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as well as developments in West Asia and Ukraine. In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar described von der Leyen’s State visit to India in January as a “turning point” in India–EU relations and said both sides are actively following up on the outcomes of the visit. He said it was a pleasure to meet the European Commission President and appreciated her perspectives on current global developments.
Von der Leyen said the two sides are now focused on ensuring the efficient implementation of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, which was concluded during the India–EU Summit held earlier this year. She noted that the agreement, along with the Security and Defence Partnership signed during the summit, aims to strengthen cooperation and deliver benefits to the people of both regions. She added that discussions also covered the evolving situation in West Asia and Ukraine, stating that de-escalation, stability and energy security remain shared priorities for India and the European Union.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar held talks with Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, where both sides discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, semiconductors, health, technology and innovation. The two countries also agreed to establish a Strategic Dialogue to strengthen bilateral engagement. Jaishankar is on a two-day official visit to Brussels at the invitation of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas to participate in discussions with the Foreign Ministers of the 27 EU member states at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting.