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Jaishankar, EU's von der Leyen Push FTA Implementation Amid Global Crises

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels to vigorously follow up on commitments from her January visit to India. The leaders focused on the efficient implementation of the historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement and Security and Defence Partnership. They also discussed shared objectives of de-escalation and stability in the Middle East and Ukraine, emphasizing energy security. Jaishankar's visit, which included talks with Belgium's Foreign Minister to establish a Strategic Dialogue, aims to deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership.

Key Points: India-EU Focus on FTA, Discuss West Asia & Ukraine Stability

  • FTA implementation focus
  • West Asia & Ukraine discussions
  • Strategic Dialogue with Belgium
  • Post-summit follow-up on ties
2 min read

Jaishankar, Ursula von der Leyen discuss West Asia developments; India, EU focused on FTA implementation

S Jaishankar meets Ursula von der Leyen to implement India-EU Free Trade Agreement, discusses Middle East, Ukraine stability, and energy security.

"De-escalation, stability and energy security are our shared objectives. - Ursula von der Leyen"

Brussels, March 16

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen and discussed the implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and the developments in the Middle East and in Ukraine.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said Ursula von der Leyen's visit to India in January was "a turning point in our ties" and the two sides "are following up vigorously on it".

"A pleasure to call on President of European Commission Ursula von der Leyen this afternoon. Her highly successful State visit to India this January marks a turning point in our ties. We are following up vigorously on it. Appreciate her insights on contemporary global developments," Jaishankar said in a post on X.

In her remarks, Ursula von der Leyen said that de-escalation, stability and energy security "are our shared objectives".

"Good meeting with @DrSJaishankar today. At the EU-India Summit in January, we concluded our Free Trade Agreement - the mother of all deals - and signed a Security and Defence Partnership. Now we are focused on efficient implementation, to deliver for the people of Europe and India as soon as possible," she said in a post on X.

"We also discussed developments in the Middle East and in Ukraine. De-escalation, stability and energy security are our shared objectives," she added.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar held talks with Belgium Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot on intensifying cooperation in trade and investment. Both also agreed to establish a Strategic Dialogue.

"Started Day 2 in Brussels, meeting with FM Maxime Prevot of Belgium. Discussed intensifying our cooperation in trade & investment, semiconductors, health, technology & innovation. Agreed to establish a Strategic Dialogue," he said in a post on X.

Jaishankar is on a two-day official visit to Brussels, Belgium, at the invitation of European Union (EU) High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas to interact with Foreign Ministers of the 27 EU Member States at the Foreign Affairs Council Meeting.

The visit of EAM coming soon after the historic 16th India-EU Summit is expected to further deepen India's Strategic Partnership with the European Union.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the focus on trade is positive, I hope the discussions on West Asia and Ukraine also emphasized India's independent foreign policy. We have our own strategic interests and relationships in those regions that must be protected.
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Priya S
"The mother of all deals" - love that phrase! Hope the implementation is swift and benefits our farmers and small businesses, not just the big corporates. The strategic dialogue with Belgium on semiconductors is also crucial for our tech ambitions.
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Rohit P
Good to see India engaging with major powers on its own terms. The mention of energy security is key. With global instability, we need reliable partners. Hope this FTA also makes European tech and clean energy solutions more affordable for us.
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Karthik V
Implementation is where the real challenge lies. Our bureaucracy can sometimes slow things down. Need a dedicated, fast-track team to make sure this historic agreement delivers actual results on the ground for common people.
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Michael C
A respectful critique: While the optics are good, I hope the FTA negotiations were truly balanced. Sometimes these deals favor the more developed economy. We must ensure our domestic industries, especially in manufacturing, are protected during the transition.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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