External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings in Brussels focused on strengthening India-EU cooperation in research, innovation, connectivity and trade. Discussions covered clean energy technologies, startups, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and green shipping…reports Asian Lite News Desk
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held a series of high-level meetings with senior European Union leaders in Brussels, with discussions focusing on expanding cooperation in research, innovation, clean energy, connectivity, trade and technology.
Among his engagements, Jaishankar met European Union Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva to discuss opportunities for collaboration in clean and green energy technologies, innovation hubs, startups and India’s association with Horizon Europe.
India’s Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, Pranay Verma, and other officials also attended the meeting.
Following the talks, Jaishankar wrote on X: “A good meeting with EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva today. Discussed opportunities for research in clean and green energy technologies, innovation hubs, startups and association with Horizon Europe.”
Zaharieva also shared details of the meeting on X, highlighting the importance of closer cooperation between India and Europe.
“It’s a great honour to receive Dr S Jaishankar and Prof. Sood in Brussels. When Europe and India innovate together, we don’t just develop new technologies — we shape the future,” she posted.
In another post, Zaharieva added: “By bringing India closer to Horizon Europe and connecting nearly half a million startups, we are building a partnership designed to turn shared ambition into global impact.”
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela to discuss strengthening cooperation in connectivity, trilateral partnerships, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and green shipping.
After the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X: “Glad to meet European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela this morning. We spoke about advancing our cooperation in connectivity, trilateral partnerships, IMEC and green shipping.”
The minister also met European Council President Antonio Costa alongside Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada and Principal Scientific Adviser Prof Ajay K Sood.
Jaishankar conveyed the warm wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the meeting and reviewed the progress made in India-EU relations since the India-EU Summit held earlier this year.
Sharing details on X, Jaishankar wrote: “Pleased to call on President of the European Council Antonio Costa alongside Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, MoS MEITY Jitin Prasada and Principle Scientific Advisor Prof Ajay K Sood. Conveyed warm wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Joined my colleagues to recognise the significant progress in our partnership since the landmark India-EU Summit earlier this year. Value his guidance and warm sentiments for advancing our trade and technology cooperation.”
The meetings form part of India’s continuing engagement with the European Union on strategic issues spanning innovation, economic cooperation, trade, infrastructure and emerging technologies.
On Tuesday, Jaishankar also held wide-ranging discussions with the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, continuing consultations on bilateral and global issues of mutual interest.
India and the European Union have been working to deepen cooperation across several sectors, including research and innovation, clean energy, digital technologies and resilient connectivity. The latest discussions in Brussels underline both sides’ commitment to expanding collaboration in areas seen as central to future economic growth and sustainable development.
