External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar Jaishankar called the India-EU FTA a turning point after his Brussels visit, stressing stronger cooperation in trade, technology and connectivity. Talks also focused on supply chains, mobility and innovation, with both sides aiming to deepen ties amid global uncertainty.<\/p>\n
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar<\/a> concluded his visit to Brussels<\/a> on Monday, describing the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a \u201cturning point\u201d in bilateral ties. He said the agreement would not only unlock significant economic potential but also reflect the strategic depth of engagement between the two nations.<\/p>\n During his visit, Jaishankar met European Council President Antonio Costa<\/a>, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen<\/a>, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas<\/a>. He also held discussions with members of the EU Foreign Affairs Council and engaged in separate bilateral meetings with several European leaders on the sidelines.<\/p>\n STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD<\/p>\n Concluded a productive visit to Brussels, meeting with the #EuropeanUnion<\/a> Foreign Affairs Council, calling on Presidents of the @EUCouncil<\/a> Ant\u00f3nio Costa and @EU_Commission<\/a> @vonderleyen<\/a>, and holding talks with EU HRVP @kajakallas<\/a>. Also met EU counterparts and held separate\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/Ff0s5HdOoY<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 16, 2026<\/a>Shared ten key messages in their conversations<\/p>\n Taking to his X, EAM shared ten key messages in their conversations. \u201cThe finalisation of the Free Trade Agreement<\/a> (FTA) represents a turning point in ties. It will not only unlock its enormous economic potential but express the strategic nature of our engagement,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cTo realize the gains of FTA on the ground, the two sides should proactively assist each other in practical activities, including trade and investment promotion,\u201d Jaishankar noted.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Upgradation of Trade and Technology Council\u00a0<\/p>\n Emerging technologies and innovation formed another important pillar of the talks. Jaishankar pointed to the India-EU Trade and Technology Council as a platform that could be further upgraded to boost collaboration in critical and advanced technologies. He emphasised that cooperation in areas such as digital innovation and high-tech sectors would be central to future engagement.<\/p>\n Mobility of skilled professionals<\/p>\n Mobility of skilled professionals was also identified as a priority. Jaishankar said initiatives like the Legal Gateway Office in India and the promotion of Global Capability Centres could facilitate greater talent flows and strengthen economic integration between the two regions.<\/p>\n \u201cMobility of skills and talent flows are very important. The establishment of the Legal Gateway Office in India is noteworthy. We have a common interest in promoting Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India.\u201d<\/p>\n STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD<\/p>\n Connectivity projects<\/p>\n Connectivity projects, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), were also discussed, with both sides expressing commitment to advancing such initiatives. Jaishankar said these efforts would enhance economic connectivity and open new avenues for cooperation.<\/p>\n He underscored that the India-EU partnership holds broader significance beyond economics. In a multipolar and uncertain world, he said, stronger ties between India and the EU would act as a factor of stability and resilience.<\/p>\n Global stability pillar<\/p>\n \u201cIn a multipolar and uncertain world, the India-EU partnership will act as a factor of stability and resilience,\u201d Jaishankar wrote.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Jaishankar\u2019s visit comes at a time of shifting global dynamics, and his remarks underline a shared intent to deepen cooperation across trade, technology, security, and connectivity.\u00a0<\/p>\n Home<\/a>India<\/a>Jaishankar concludes Brussels visit, calls India-EU FTA a turning point in bilateral tiesEnd of Article