External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels as India and the European Union looked to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology and strategic areas. The talks took place during Jaishankar’s visit for the 3rd India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting…reports Asian Lite News Desk
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday met European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels as India and the European Union looked to further strengthen their Strategic Partnership across trade, technology and security.
The meeting took place during Jaishankar’s official visit to Belgium from 14 to 15 July 2026, where he is participating in the 3rd India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting along with senior Indian ministers and officials.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar shared details on X, saying: “Pleased to call on President of the European Council @antoniolscosta alongside CIM @PiyushGoyal, MoS MEITY @JitinPrasada 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 discussions highlighted the growing momentum in India-EU relations, particularly in areas including trade, innovation, technology cooperation and strategic engagement.
Jaishankar’s meeting with Costa followed his discussions with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas.
At the start of his Brussels visit, Jaishankar said he held wide-ranging talks with Kallas on global developments, maritime security and strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said: “Started my visit to Brussels, meeting with EU HRVP @kajakallas. Had useful discussions on West Asia and the need to ensure peace and stability. Exchanged views on the importance of safe and unimpeded maritime commerce. Also spoke about advancing the India – EU Strategic Partnership to ensure supply chain resilience.”
The discussions reflected shared concerns over geopolitical challenges, including developments in West Asia, while emphasising the importance of secure maritime routes and stronger global supply chains.
Kallas described 2026 as a significant year for India-EU relations and highlighted expanding cooperation between the two sides.
She posted on X: “This is a historic year for EU-India relations, with our cooperation deepening across trade, technology, security and defence. It was good to speak today with @DrSJaishankar about taking our partnership further, including on maritime security.”
“Together, we must defend freedom of navigation, protect open and resilient supply chains, as well as deepen cooperation between EU operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES and the Indian navy to uphold security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” she added.
Jaishankar’s Brussels visit is focused on the 3rd India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting, which aims to expand cooperation in critical technologies, digital transformation, clean energy, economic security and supply chain resilience.
The engagement comes as India and the European Union continue efforts to deepen their strategic relationship and explore new areas of cooperation amid changing global economic and security challenges.
