Jaishankar in Brussels: EAM holds talks with Kaja Kallas on West Asia, maritime security & India-EU ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has begun a visit to Brussels for the third India-European Union Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting, with discussions focusing on the situation in West Asia, maritime security, supply chain resilience and strengthening the India-EU strategic partnership.

Jaishankar is accompanied by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada.

The visit follows the India-EU Summit held earlier this year, where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, technology and strategic affairs.

Jaishankar meets EU foreign policy chief

Jaishankar's first engagement in Brussels was a meeting with Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in West Asia and its impact on regional stability and global trade.

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Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Jaishankar said they exchanged views on the need to ensure peace and stability in the region and highlighted the importance of keeping global maritime trade routes safe and open.

He also said the discussions covered ways to strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership and enhance supply chain resilience.

Focus on maritime security

The talks also centred on maritime security amid continued disruptions to key shipping routes in West Asia.

India and the European Union discussed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and secure commercial shipping through strategically important waterways.

The two sides also reviewed ongoing maritime cooperation, including coordination between the Indian Navy and European naval missions such as Operation ATALANTA, the EU's anti-piracy mission in the western Indian Ocean, and Operation ASPIDES, which aims to protect commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Trade and technology high on agenda

Following his meeting with Kallas, Jaishankar, along with Goyal and Prasada, met European Council President António Costa.

The leaders reviewed progress made since the India-EU Summit and discussed expanding cooperation under the Trade and Technology Council.

In a post on social media, Jaishankar said the meeting focused on advancing trade and technology cooperation and welcomed the progress made in the bilateral partnership.

India-EU partnership continues to deepen

The Trade and Technology Council serves as a platform for cooperation on trade, emerging technologies, supply chains and economic security.

India and the EU are also continuing negotiations on a proposed Free Trade Agreement, which both sides hope will strengthen trade, investment and economic ties.

The Brussels meetings come as India and the European Union seek closer cooperation on supply chain resilience, critical technologies and regional security amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.